Archaia Eleftherna, Rethymno

Archaia Eleftherna (formerly known as Prines) is a village and the seat of the local community of the same name within the Rethymno Municipality in the Rethymno regional unit of Crete, Greece. It is named after its proximity to the archaeological site of ancient Eleftherna. The village has been recognized for its beauty and cleanliness, receiving the award for the “cleanest organized traditional settlement” from the Rethymno Prefectural Committee for Tourism Promotion in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008.

History and Archaeological Site

Ancient Eleutherna was a significant city in Crete during antiquity. It was situated in the present-day Rethymno regional unit, about 30 kilometers southeast of the city of Rethymno and approximately 12 kilometers northeast of the Arkadi Monastery. The archaeological site occupies a jagged ridge of Mount Ida (Psiloritis) at an elevation of 380 meters and is considered the most important archaeological site in the Rethymno regional unit.

The city was founded by the Dorians in the 9th century BC at the intersection of roads connecting the cities of Kydonia, Knossos, and the sanctuary on Mount Ida. A necropolis dating back to the Geometric and Archaic periods has been unearthed at Orthi Petra. In 2010, the discovery of a 2,700-year-old double tomb in the area was announced. This tomb contained over 3,000 gold leaves and the earliest depiction of a bee as a goddess.

During the First Cretan War (205 BC to 200 BC), Ancient Eleutherna sided with the Macedonian king Philip V against Rhodes and Knossos. After the Romans conquered the island, the city was besieged and only fell to Quintus Caecilius Metellus through betrayal. Despite this, the city continued to thrive, with the construction of baths, villas, and public buildings. However, an earthquake in 365 AD threatened its prosperity. Ultimately, Arab raids in the 8th century and another earthquake in 796 led to the city’s decline.

Other Attractions

• Early Byzantine Basilica: Ancient Eleutherna was an important site during the early Byzantine period and served as the seat of a bishopric. A recently excavated basilica at the Katsivelos site within the archaeological area is a significant architectural monument with rich mosaic decoration. Its initial construction dates back to 430-450 AD, and it was destroyed in the 7th century.
• Double Church of Sotiras Christos (Christ the Savior) and John the Baptist: This medieval monument is located at the eastern edge of the settlement. The Church of the Savior is in the shape of a free cross with a dome and preserves a wall painting of Christ Pantocrator in the dome. While the monument dates back to the 12th century, its architecture shows evidence of numerous interventions over the following centuries. In the 16th century, the Church of the Baptist was built adjacent to the older church, and the entire complex likely housed a small monastery in the Late Middle Ages.

Village Key Points:

• Historical References: Archaia Eleftherna is named after the ancient city of Eleftherna, which has a rich history dating back to the 9th century BC.
• Location: It is located in the Rethymno regional unit of Crete, Greece, near the archaeological site of ancient Eleftherna.
• Historical Significance: The village’s significance lies in its proximity to the ancient city of Eleftherna, a major archaeological site offering insights into Cretan history from the Dark Ages to Byzantine times.
• Population data over the years:

• Current Status: Archaia Eleftherna is a small village with a population of 115 as of the 2011 census. It is primarily known for its connection to the ancient city and serves as a base for visitors exploring the archaeological site.

Reference

• Wikipedia