ABOUT: GTR-DVD-1130 - The ancient Minoan site of Agia Triáda on the Greek island of Crete owes its name to a nearby church that dates back to the 14th century. In many ways the settlement is quite unique as its architecture does not conform to traditional Minoan design. In contrast to the much larger structure of the Phaistos Palace that is situated only a few kilometres away, the site has revealed an abundance of fascinating treasures. Agia Triáda's famous objects and works of art are contained in the Egypt Museum in Íraklion. In around 1400 B.C. the Minoan culture came to an end and the exact reason for the decline of this advanced civilization will probably never be known. The Minoan culture reached its peak between 1700 and 1350 B.C. when palaces, country houses and settlements were established throughout the length and breadth of the island. Due to the completion of a well thought out road system and the further development of existing harbours, the foundation of an extremely successful trading system was created. For thousands of years the Minoan ruins lay covered by the sands of time and it was only as a result of excavations around the neighbouring Phaistos Palace that brought about their discovery. The Mycenean civilisation replaced that of the Minoans and they subsequently constructed their own buildings above the walls of the once splendid and flourishing settlement of Agia Triáda. Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.