Apesokari Tholos tombs
The Apesokari Tholos Tombs in Crete are significant Early Minoan burial sites. Tholos Tomb A features a unique circular burial chamber and annex, used for both primary and secondary burials. Tholos Tomb B includes multiple rooms with evidence of communal drinking and larnax burials. Both tombs offer valuable insights into Early Minoan funerary practices and social organization.
Gerokampos Tholos Tomb
The Lebena Gerokampos Tholos Tomb is an Early Minoan I-II (c. 3100-2600 BCE) archaeological site located near Lentas, on the southern coast of Crete, close to the ancient Minoan settlement of Lebena. The tomb, with an interior diameter of approximately 5 meters, is typical of tholos tombs, with a circular chamber built of large stones and a corbelled vault. The tomb also features several smaller chambers or annexes, which were added later. These annexes, along with the main tholos, served as spaces for burial and ritual activities. A large quantity of pottery, including pyxides, tankards, cups, and bowls, was found in the tomb. The tomb contained the skeletal remains of numerous individuals, providing evidence of collective burial practices. Other significant finds from the tomb include jewelry, tools, and figurines.
Koumasa, Gortyna
Koumasa, a Cretan village with a long history, is located in the Gortyna municipality on the foothills of the Asterousia Mountains. It is known for its archaeological sites, including tombs and settlements from various Minoan periods.
The village's history dates back to at least 1368 during the Venetian period. The name "Koumasa" likely comes from the word "koumos," meaning a temporary shelter for animals.
A research program led by Professor Diamantis Panagiotopoulos is currently excavating and studying the settlement and necropolis. Discoveries include a Pre-palatial and Old Palace period necropolis, a New Palace period settlement, and an Early Minoan underground burial deposit.
With 69 inhabitants, Koumasa maintains a tranquil atmosphere. The village continues its agricultural traditions, while the archaeological research attracts visitors.
Lebena (Leveen)
Lebena, an ancient city on Crete's southern coast, is renowned for its Sanctuary of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine. The city's strategic location near a good harbor and its association with the healing cult of Asclepius made it an important center for both trade and religious pilgrimage. Lebena was also a significant port for trade and commerce with the East during the Prepalatial period. The site of Lebena has a long history of occupation, with evidence of inhabitation dating back to the Neolithic and Early Minoan periods (ca. 3rd millennium BC). The presence of a variety of Eastern imports in secure Prepalatial contexts at Lebena, including faience, gold, ivory, and Egyptian scarabs, suggests that Lebena was a significant port for trade and commerce with the East during this time. In the Late Classical period (ca. 4th century BC), the Gortynians established the sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius at the harbor. The city was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 46 BC but was subsequently rebuilt. The sanctuary continued to flourish throughout the Roman period, as evidenced by the numerous inscriptions and archaeological finds from the site. The strategic location of Lebena on the south coast of Crete made it an ideal location for a port. The sheltered bay would have provided a safe harbor for ships, and the proximity to the Asterousia Mountains would have offered protection from storms. Additionally, Lebena's location on the south coast would have made it a convenient stopping point for ships traveling between the Aegean and the Near East. The presence of Eastern imports at Lebena suggests that the site was an important point of contact between Crete and the East during the Prepalatial period.
Loukia, Gortyna
Loukia, located in the Asterousia Mountains of Crete, is a village with a rich history dating back to at least 1368. Records indicate its existence under both Venetian and Ottoman rule. The village, situated 67 kilometers south of Heraklion, has a population of 155. Loukia features traditional architecture, some of which is in disrepair. Despite its small size, the village maintains a primary school, churches, and a cultural association dedicated to preserving its heritage.
Paranymfoi, Archanes - Asterousia
Paranymfoi is a small, picturesque village nestled in the Asterousia Mountains of Crete, with a history stretching back to the 13th century. The village is mentioned in Venetian records and Ottoman censuses, bearing testament to its long history. The rugged terrain has contributed to a strong sense of community and self-reliance among its inhabitants, who have traditionally been involved in agriculture and animal husbandry.
Paranymfoi's strategic location made it an important stopover for travelers and traders in the past. Today, it continues to attract visitors with its stunning panoramic views, which include the Libyan Sea. The village also serves as a starting point for exploring the Asterousia Mountains, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
A small folklore museum, established by the local cultural association, showcases the traditional way of life in the region. The museum houses a collection of old objects used in weaving, storage, agricultural work, and various household items. The church of Agios Pavlos, with its remnants of frescoes, stands as a reminder of the village's rich past. Paranymfoi's enduring presence and unique character make it a hidden gem in the tapestry of Cretan history.
Platanos Minoan tholos tombs
The Minoan tholos tombs at Platanos, located in the Messara Plain of Crete, are significant archaeological remains from the Prepalatial period (c. 3200-2000 BC). Excavated in the early 20th century, the site features three tholos tombs (circular, beehive-shaped burial chambers) and a paved courtyard. The tombs, labeled A, B, and C, vary in size and preservation. Tomb A, the largest, has an internal diameter of 13 meters. The tombs contained many artifacts, including seals, figurines, pottery vessels, stone vessels, gold jewelry, and bronze tools. These findings provide valuable insights into Minoan funerary practices and material culture during the Prepalatial period. The presence of imported objects, such as an ancient Babylonian cylinder seal and Egyptian scarabs, also highlights the extensive trade networks that connected Crete with other civilizations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Sternes, Gortyna
Sternes, a village in Heraklion, Crete, has a history dating back to the 13th century. Its name comes from the Greek word "sterna," meaning cistern, referencing a large Roman-era cistern located west of the village.
Sternes is in the foothills of the Asterousia Mountains. The village has been documented in historical records as early as 1271. Today, Sternes remains an agricultural community with a population of around 420, focused on the cultivation of olives and grapes for raisins.
Sternes has several churches and chapels, including the church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, the church of Saint John, and the chapels of Agia Paraskevi and Panagia. The village also has a cultural association, a kindergarten, and an elementary school.
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Geotour website by Nikolakakis Manolis is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Geotour website by Nikolakakis Manolis is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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