Trachilos, Kissamos

A Village on the Edge of History

Trachilos is a small village in the Kissamos municipality of Chania, Crete. Located about 1 kilometer north of the Gramvousa community center, it has a population of around 137 people (2021 census). The village’s name likely comes from the shape of the land, which resembles the nape of the neck (“trachilos” in Greek).

Historically, Trachilos was a Turkish settlement during the Ottoman period. After Crete joined Greece, the Turkish residents left, and Christian families moved in.

Population Data

Village Key Points

• Historical References: Historical records indicate it was a Turkish village during the Ottoman era.
• Location: Chania regional unit, Crete, Greece. Near Kastelli Kissamos.
• Historical Significance: Known for the discovery of the Trachilos footprints, which have implications for understanding early human evolution.
• Current Status: A small, quiet village with a unique place in paleontological research.

Trachilos Footprints

Trachilos is internationally recognized for a remarkable discovery made in 2002: fossilized footprints preserved in sedimentary rock near the coast. Dating back 5.7 to 6 million years, these footprints are considered some of the oldest known hominin footprints in the world. Their discovery has challenged conventional theories about the timeline and geographical origins of human evolution, suggesting that early hominins may have ventured beyond Africa earlier than previously thought.

The footprints are currently under scientific investigation, and the site is protected to preserve these invaluable traces of our distant past.

Controversy:

The findings from Trachilos have been met with skepticism and controversy within the scientific community. The suggestion that hominins existed in Europe so early challenges the prevailing view that hominins originated in Africa and remained there for several million years before migrating to other continents. The research team faced difficulty publishing their findings, encountering resistance from reviewers who questioned the interpretation of the footprints.

Damage and Protection:

The site has unfortunately suffered some damage. Anti-war graffiti was sprayed on the rock surface, and in 2017, a local teacher was arrested for cutting out and stealing eight of the footprints. These incidents highlight the importance of protecting and preserving such valuable paleontological sites.