Melidochori, Archanes – Asterousia

Melidochori is a village in the Heraklion regional unit, belonging to the Municipality of Archanes-Asterousia. It is located at an altitude of 400 meters, on the eastern slopes of the Kastriotis hill.

History

• 1583: The village is first mentioned as Melidhochori with 23 inhabitants.
• 1881: It appears in records as Melissochori with 40 Muslim inhabitants.
• Post-World War II: The village was settled exclusively by the Karatzides family from Anogia, who primarily engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry.
• German Occupation: Melidochori became a center of the National Resistance, housing a radio station in a cave and a court that tried collaborators.

Archaeological Significance

• Kastriotis Hill: Archaeological remains exist on Kastriotis Hill at 681 meters.
• Kourina: A significant tholos tomb with water was discovered in 1915, used by the Muslim inhabitants for water supply. It is built according to the Mycenaean system and dates back to the Late Minoan period, the 13th century BC. The tomb was excavated by Xanthoudides.

Population

Current Status

Today, many residents of Melidochori work in the well-known local company KARATZIS SA, which manufactures nets for olive harvesting. The village is located 40.1 kilometers from Heraklion.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: First mentioned in 1583.
• Location: Eastern slopes of Kastriotis hill, Heraklion regional unit.
• Historical Significance: Center of National Resistance during German Occupation.
• Population Data: 108 inhabitants (2001).
• Current Status: Primarily agricultural and animal husbandry activities, with some residents working in the local net manufacturing company.

References

• Καστροφύλακας, 1583, Κ 94, 1583
• Pashley, R., Travels in Crete, 1837
• Σπανάκης Στέργιος, Πόλεις και χωριά της Κρήτης στο πέρασμα των αιώνων (μητρώον των οικισμών), Γραφικές Τέχνες-Γ. Δετοράκης
• Xanthoudides, S., The Vaulted Tombs of Mesara, 1924