Ruins of a Minoan structure discovered in Crete (3 photos)

During the construction of a new airport on the largest Greek island, a round structure with a diameter of about 48 m was discovered. The age of the labyrinth-like monument is 4000 years.





The Greek Ministry of Culture said the structure was a “unique and extremely interesting find.”

The building has an area of ​​1800 sq. m belongs to the Minoan civilization of the Bronze Age. The civilization arose on the island of Crete and existed from 3000 to 1450 BC. e. The Minoans were a highly developed society: they conducted active maritime trade and achieved a high level of mastery in art.

According to experts, the building was used mainly in 2000-1700 BC. e. and was erected at a time when the first palaces were built on Crete - including in Knossos and Phaistos.



Archaeologists do not know what the structure at the top of the hill was used for. Excavations are still ongoing and a large number of animal bones have been found.

The ministry said in a statement: "It may have been used for ritual ceremonies involving food, wine and probably sacrifices."

The interior space was divided into several halls and surrounded by eight stepped stone walls 1.7 m high.

"Its size, layout and careful construction required a significant amount of labor and specialist knowledge. Undoubtedly, it was a public building that stood out from the background of the entire area."



It was planned to place a radar station at this site to serve the new airport near the city of Kastelli. However, Greece's rich cultural heritage often leads to conflicts of interest when implementing construction projects.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni promised that the ancient monument would be preserved and another location would be allocated for the station.