 With Roman aid, Knossus became once more the first city of Crete, but, in 67 BC, the Roman Senate chose Gortys as the capital of the newly created province Creta et Cyrene.In 36 BC, Knossus became a Roman colony named "Colonia Iulia Nobilis".The colony, which was built using Roman-style architecture, was situated within the vicinity of the palace, but only a small part of it has been excavated.