An Ancient City of Crete

Aptera was an ancient Greek city-state on the northwest coast of Crete, strategically positioned on a plateau overlooking Souda Bay. This advantageous location provided natural defenses and allowed the city to control maritime trade routes. The city’s name, Aptera, is believed to derive from Apteros, the name of a mythical son of Crete in Greek mythology. Legend has it that Aptera was the site of a musical contest between the Sirens and the Muses, which the Muses won, causing the Sirens to lose their wings and turn white.

Geometric and Archaic Periods (c. 8th – 6th centuries BC)

While evidence suggests habitation as far back as the Bronze Age, with a possible mention in Linear B tablets from Knossos (as a-pa-ta-wa), Aptera’s significant development likely began in the Early Iron Age (c. 11th-10th centuries BC). Building and votive pit remains from this period have been found near the later Temple of Artemis.

Aptera flourished during the Geometric and Archaic periods, becoming a formidable naval power. The earliest inscription mentioning Aptera dates to 668 BC, recording archers from the city fighting alongside the Spartans in the Second Messenian War. This inscription highlights Aptera’s early military prowess and its involvement in significant regional conflicts.

Classical and Hellenistic Periods (c. 5th – 2nd centuries BC)

Aptera continued to thrive throughout the Classical and Hellenistic periods, maintaining its independence and issuing its own coinage. Its strategic location and two harbors, Kissamos and Minoa, facilitated its role as a key player in maritime trade. Aptera’s military strength, particularly its renowned archers, was evident in its participation in various conflicts, including the Persian Wars and the Chremonidean War.

This era saw Aptera expand its urban infrastructure. Fortifications were strengthened, temples were erected, and public buildings were constructed. The city’s prosperity is reflected in the numerous imported artifacts unearthed at the site, including Attic vases and marble funerary stelae. These findings indicate a vibrant cultural exchange and economic prosperity.

Roman Period (c. 1st century BC – 4th century AD)

Aptera’s decline began in the Roman period after its destruction by the Romans in 67 BC during the Roman conquest of Crete. Despite being rebuilt, the city never fully recovered its former prominence. The final blow came with a devastating earthquake in 365 AD, which led to the city’s eventual abandonment.

Despite its diminished status, Aptera remained inhabited throughout the Roman period. This is evident in the construction of public and private buildings like bathhouses and villas. The city retained its importance as a center for trade and commerce, as suggested by the continued presence of imported goods.

Connections with Other Cities

Aptera maintained strong diplomatic and economic ties with other cities in Crete and beyond. Inscriptions reveal alliances with Cretan cities like Kydonia, Eleutherna, and Hierapytna, as well as interactions with the Hellenistic kingdoms of Pergamon, the Ptolemies, and Bithynia. These connections underscore Aptera’s significant role in the political landscape of ancient Crete and its integration into the broader Mediterranean world.

The city’s participation in regional conflicts and alliances, as evidenced by its military activities and diplomatic agreements, further emphasizes its active engagement in the political and economic dynamics of the time.

The Theater of Aptera

The theater of Aptera, initially constructed during the Hellenistic period (early 3rd century BC), underwent substantial renovations in the Roman period (late 1st century BC – 3rd century AD). Discovered in 2008, the theater was carefully restored between 2012 and 2015, providing valuable insights into the city’s cultural and social life.

Key Features of the Theater

• Location and Orientation: The theater is situated on the southern slope of the city, offering panoramic views of Souda Bay. Its southward orientation maximized sunlight and provided a stunning backdrop for performances.

• Design and Construction: The theater’s design cleverly utilizes the natural terrain, with the koilon (seating area) built into a natural, south-facing depression. This design minimized the need for extensive stone construction and integrated the theater seamlessly into the landscape. The main building material was poros stone, a local limestone, which was used for the retaining walls, the stage building, and other architectural elements.

• Structure: The theater follows the typical Greek theater layout, with a koilon, orchestra (circular performance space), and skene (stage building). The koilon was divided into several sections by radial stairways, allowing for organized seating and efficient movement of the audience. The orchestra was paved with stone slabs and used for choral performances and dances. The skene served as a backdrop for the performances and provided space for actors and props.

• Building Phases: The theater shows evidence of three main building phases: Hellenistic (early 3rd century BC), Roman I (late 1st century BC – early 2nd century AD), and Roman II (3rd century AD). Each phase brought modifications and additions to the theater’s structure, reflecting changing architectural styles and evolving entertainment preferences.

• Capacity: Though the exact capacity is unknown due to the theater’s partially excavated state, it is estimated that it could accommodate several thousand spectators.

• Current Status: The theater has been partially excavated and restored, with some of the original architectural elements preserved. The restoration efforts have focused on stabilizing the remaining structures and making the site accessible to visitors, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Restoration of the Theater

The restoration of the theater was a meticulous process, requiring extensive research and careful planning. The project involved several key steps:

1. Documentation: The theater was meticulously documented through detailed drawings and surveys.

2. Restoration of the Koilon: The seating area (koilon) was restored using a combination of original and newly fabricated stone seats. The original seats were carefully cleaned and repositioned, while new seats were crafted using traditional techniques and materials.

3. Lime Kiln Removal: The remains of a 19th-century lime kiln, which had been built into the theater’s structure, were carefully dismantled to allow for the restoration of the underlying seats.

4. Reconstruction of the Stage Building: The stage building (skene) was reconstructed using original and new stone blocks, with a focus on preserving its original form and function.

5. Drainage System: The theater’s original drainage system was reactivated to ensure proper water runoff and prevent damage to the restored structures.

6. Landscaping and Access: The surrounding area was landscaped to enhance the visitor experience and provide clear access to the theater.

The restoration project successfully preserved the historical integrity of the theater while making it accessible to the public. It now serves as a valuable resource for understanding the cultural and social life of ancient Aptera.

Site: Key Points

• Construction Period: Geometric to Roman periods (8th century BC – 4th century AD)

• Location: Plateau overlooking Souda Bay, near Chania, Crete.

• Dimensions: 3480m long fortification wall, 5.45m diameter orchestra.

• Historical Significance: A major city-state in ancient Crete, known for its naval power and strategic location.

• Current Status: Archaeological site, partially excavated and open to the public.

References

• Niniou-Kindeli, V., and A. Tzavlakis. 2018. Aptera. A City of Crete.

• Tzanakaki, K. 2019. Ancient Cities of Westernmost Crete.

• Tzigounaki, A. 2019. The Cities of Central-West Crete in Historical Times.

• Karambinis, M. 2022. The Cities of Crete under Roman Rule (1st-3rd centuries AD).

• Chatzidakis, N. 2021. Restoration of the Ancient Theatre of Aptera, Chania.

• Pollard, D. 2022. Between the Mountains and the Sea.