Knossos was an ancient greek city state that originated from the Minoan civilization. The city itself is sometimes called "the oldest city in Europe". In its peak the palace and surrounding city boasted a population of 100,000 people shortly after 1700 BCE. After the fall of the Minoans, Knossos was repopulated around 1000 BCE and it remained one of the most important centers of Crete. The city had two ports: Amnisos and Heraklion. According to the geographer Strabo the Knossians colonized the city of Brundisium in Italy.