A 40-Year Archaeological Odyssey Uncovers Hidden Histories
For four decades, the archaeological site of Eleutherna in Crete has been a treasure trove of ancient wonders, revealing layer upon layer of history spanning millennia. Led by the tireless efforts of Professor Nikos Stampolidis, the site continues to yield remarkable discoveries, offering new perspectives on life in this ancient city. Recent excavations have focused on a complex of early Christian basilicas, shedding light on the transition from paganism to Christianity in Crete and promising to transform Eleutherna into a major hub for religious tourism.
Unearthing a Network of Basilicas
The latest excavations at Eleutherna have brought to light a network of three early Christian basilicas – Agia Irini, Agios Markos, and the earlier basilica of Euphratas – situated in close proximity to one another. These basilicas, along with their associated annexes, workshops, and water cisterns, paint a vivid picture of a thriving religious community.
“We are excavating the basilicas and their annexes,” explains Professor Stampolidis. “They are not isolated structures, but rather form a complex, a whole neighborhood, directly related to the monument, the church itself.”
The close proximity of these basilicas raises intriguing questions about their function and purpose. Professor Stampolidis suggests that the early basilicas may reflect not only the growing influence of Christianity as a faith but also as a source of power. “It is possible that some individuals, perhaps even pagans who believed in the ancient religion, converted to Christianity to protect their property and power,” he posits. “Building churches may have been a way to avoid taxes.”
Repurposing the Past
Interestingly, the basilicas were not constructed entirely from new materials. The builders incorporated materials from older structures, including public buildings, private houses, and even earlier temples. “This has resulted in the discovery of numerous elements such as bricks and stones that have been reworked and incorporated into the walls of these basilicas,” notes Professor Stampolidis. “Sometimes, we even find archaic and classical inscriptions related to laws, providing valuable insights into the legal practices of the ancient world.”
A Vision for Restoration
The impressive preservation of the basilicas, with walls reaching up to 2.5 meters in height, has inspired a vision for their restoration. Professor Stampolidis envisions a project that would not only restore the basilicas themselves but also create accessible pathways connecting them, transforming the area into a significant attraction for religious tourism.
“If these basilicas are connected by pathways and small roads, they will form a vast complex of early Christian basilicas,” he explains. “This will create another pole of attraction, where the Hellenistic, Roman, and early Christian city, with all its chronological gradations, will become a point of reference for religious tourism.”
The restoration project will require careful planning, approvals, and meticulous conservation work. “The restoration must be done in a serious and dynamic way, showcasing the entire structure of the basilica along with some of its neighboring buildings,” emphasizes Professor Stampolidis. “This will require studies, approvals, and painstaking conservation, as many of these structures and their architectural elements are often broken and need to be joined and preserved before the restoration can begin.”
The estimated cost of the restoration project is 2-3 million euros. Professor Stampolidis is optimistic that with the support of the Ministry of Culture and other institutions, the necessary funds can be secured, and the project can be integrated into a funding program.
A Hidden Treasury
In another remarkable discovery, archaeologists at Eleutherna unearthed an underground treasury dating back to the Hellenistic period. Located beneath the later Roman floor of a temple, the treasury was designed with an ingenious locking mechanism to deter would-be thieves.
“In the cella of the temple, an underground structure dating to the Hellenistic period was discovered beneath the later Roman floor,” explains architect Ioannis Bitis, a collaborator on the excavation. “It is a small underground chamber used as a treasury, which was sealed with a monolithic screw. Its function is related to the safekeeping of the temple’s or even the city’s revenues.”
The treasury, essentially a stone container with a screw-on lid, was accessed through a circular opening in the temple floor. The lid, weighing an astonishing 600 kilograms, was designed to be difficult to remove. The screw mechanism featured a slightly curved thread that would cause the lid to rotate as it was unscrewed, making it challenging to lift. This ingenious design likely thwarted many attempts to plunder the city’s valuables.
The Dawn of Christianity in Crete
The discovery of the early Christian basilicas at Eleutherna provides valuable insights into the transition from paganism to Christianity in Crete. The basilica of Agia Irini, dating back to the 5th century AD, features a stunning mosaic floor with a symbolic depiction of a krater, a vine, a fish, and a rooster.
“The krater represents the source of life, which is none other than Jesus Christ,” explains Professor Stampolidis. “The fish is the symbol of Christ, and the rooster, which heralds the new day, proclaims the new Christian faith.”
The Basilica of Agios Markos, dating to the early 6th century AD, is equally impressive, boasting unique architectural and decorative elements. Its columns, capitals, and architraves are adorned with intricate carvings of acanthus leaves, crosses, eagles, rams, and oxen. The basilica’s rich ornamentation and sophisticated design attest to the growing influence of Christianity in the region.
Connecting with the Past
Both Agia Irini and Agios Markos incorporate architectural elements from earlier structures, including Hellenistic and Roman capitals, architraves with triglyphs and metopes, and inscribed slabs dating back to the Archaic period. These inscriptions, many of which contain laws, regulations, and rules, offer a glimpse into the legal and social practices of ancient Crete.
“The reuse of these materials in the construction of the basilicas highlights the connection between the past and the present,” says Professor Stampolidis. “These inscriptions, once they are studied and published, will provide unique information about the Cretan state during the Archaic and Classical periods.”
A Promising Future
The ongoing excavations and restoration efforts at Eleutherna promise to further illuminate the history of this fascinating ancient city. The site’s unique combination of Hellenistic, Roman, and early Christian remains, coupled with its stunning natural setting, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Crete’s past.
