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 --_____--- ... the second Byzantine era which lasted until 1204 .... At that time Alexios the 4th, heir to the emperor of Byzantium Isaakios the 2nd, who was dethroned by his brother Alexios the 3rd, asked the Pope to help him get back his throne. He was referred to the Crusaders who at the time were starting the Fourth Crusade, and agreed to give Crete to them once they reestablished him to the throne of Byzantium. In 1204, in the aftermath of the Fourth Crusade, Crusaders i.e. Boniface of Monferat sold the island to Venice, which incorporated Crete into its growing commercial empire. The Venetians kept Handakas as the capital and built castles in different parts in the island. (The Venetian Period, 1204-1669). The island is dominated by harsh mountains rising out of the sea. Crete's east-west mountainous spine consists of four main groups that rise to the island's highest point, the summit of Mount Idhi, Stavros, 8,058 feet (2,456 m) high. The gradually sloping northern coast provides several natural harbours and coastal plains, where major towns have grown up; Chania, Rethimnon, and Iraklion (Heraklion) are located there. The Mesara Plain extends along the south-central part of the island for about 18 miles (29 km) and is Crete's major expanse of flatland. The island has only a few small rivers, together with springs and seasonal water courses. |
