"Slave Market" by Tom Gomez

Slave Market

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Artist's Description

The Morosini Fountain in Eleftheriou Venizelou Square in the old quarter of Heraklion, Crete.

Built in 1628 by the Venetians and named after the Venetian governor during that time. The lions on the fountain pre-date the rest of the structure by 100 years.

The fountain was built to commemorate an impressive Venetian construction which brought drinking water to Iraklion from Mount Youktas, a distance of 15km.

To the locals, the square is known as the Lions Square. During the period of Arab rule (9th-10th century AD), the square was the largest slave market in the Eastern Mediterranean.

During the Byzantine period (10th-13th century), the Lions Square was the site of the residence of the Byzantine governor of Heraklion.

In Venetian times (13th-17th century), this was where the Palace of the Venetian Duke of Crete (the Palazzo Ducale) stood, where the Duke and his two councillors (Consiglieri) decided the fate of Heraklion and its people.

Single RAW image Tonemapped in Photomatix Pro 3.2.

Camera: Canon EOS 450D (Digital Rebel XSi in the USA)
Sigma 18-200mm lens
Exif data from the JPG
F-stop f/4
ISO 200
Focal length 18 mm

BEST VIEWED LARGER

Related shots can be found at Crete, Greece or Eastern Meditteranean.

All Products Tags

greek island of crete island of crete crete cretian fountain lions square greek grecian greece eastern heraklion iraklion island mediterranean aegean sea tom gomez tomg

Artwork Comments

Chris Clark over 8 years ago

brilliantly captured Tom
Tom Gomez over 8 years ago

Cheers mate, we had lunch just off the square sitting in the shade under the trees …
BLYTHART over 8 years ago

How many slaves did you smuggle through customs?
Tom Gomez over 8 years ago

I just brought back the one I took with me – hehehe
Brenda Dow over 8 years ago

Do you ever feel affected by the history of these wonderful places you visit Tom? Just knowing of the slave market and the Herakilon story would cause me to pause……. Wonderful image…. Thanks so much for the history… everyday I feel so protected and unaware…… bummer…. always want to know what’s going on!!! lol
Tom Gomez over 8 years ago

Thank you Brenda. I love the history and I go to great lengths to find out about it. Violence is nothing new, almost anywhere in the world has some sort of violent past. I live in Scotland, a country with an amazingly violent and barbaric history, you only have to look at Burke and Hare or Deacon Brodie or Sawney Bean. There are many many more such tales …
Bootiewootsy over 8 years ago

I learn more history from you than I did in college, Tom… You make every photo so interesting beside being perfect… Wonderful photo
Tom Gomez over 8 years ago

Wow, thank you dear Carol, that is a great compliment …
ourjrny over 8 years ago

Aloha Tom, I enjoy the history you provide with your beautiful imagery. It breathes life into your photograph. It is a lovely fountain.
Tom Gomez over 8 years ago

Than you so much Sharon, you are always so kind …
cherylc1 over 8 years ago

awesome capture tom!!
Tom Gomez over 8 years ago

Thank you so much dear Cheryl …
Barbara Manis over 8 years ago

Wonderful capture, Tom! I read what everyone above wrote. You see, you really need to write that book!
Tom Gomez over 8 years ago

Thak you so much dear Barbara, your continuing support means a great deal. One day, I may get round to it, but life is so busy …
Béla Török over 8 years ago

Excellent composition, Tom!
Tom Gomez over 8 years ago

Thank you kindly Béla …
hereforfun over 8 years ago

Lovely capture Tom, and an interesting history
Tom Gomez over 8 years ago

Thank you so very much dear Trudi …
GerryMac over 8 years ago

fantastic capture Tom! love the colours!
Tom Gomez over 8 years ago

Thank you Gerry, always appreciated …