Ancient Axos (Oaxos)
Oaxos, also known as Axos, was an ancient Cretan city in the Mylopotamos region, inhabited from the Neolithic to the Venetian period. It was known for its strategic location, association with the Idaean Cave, and connections with cities like Knossos and Eleutherna.
Archaeological findings reveal remnants from various periods, including cyclopean walls, terracotta idols, and bronze molds. Oaxos participated in interstate contracts and had its own coinage, featuring Apollo, Artemis, and Zeus, reflecting religious beliefs. The city was a member of the Cretan "Koinon."
Oaxos was eventually destroyed by the Venetians. Today, only a few ruins remain, with some artifacts housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Anogeia, Anogia
High on Mount Psiloritis, its name means "upper land." Founded traditionally around the Church of St. John (11th c. paintings), near ancient sites like Ideon Cave. Known as "Vasilika Anogeia" under the Byzantine Kallergis family, it later became an Ottoman vakuf. Despite privileges, it was a center of resistance, leading to destructions by Ottomans (1822, 1867) and Nazis (1944) following the Kreipe abduction. A "Martyred Village," rebuilt through resilience, known for its unique culture: music (lyra players Nikos Xylouris, Psarantonis), weaving (first women's cooperative), dialect, and shepherding traditions (Intangible Cultural Heritage).
Axos, Mylopotamos
Axos, located in the Mylopotamos Municipality in Crete, Greece, is a village steeped in history. It sits on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis, offering panoramic views. In ancient times, the city of Oaxos thrived in this location, leaving behind ruins of an acropolis, temples, and tombs. Axos flourished during the Byzantine era, as evidenced by the nine remaining churches dating back to that period. The village also boasts a medieval fountain and over ten natural springs. Today, Axos is a destination for agritourism and those interested in exploring the ancient city of Oaxos. The population of Axos has fluctuated over the centuries, with 385 residents recorded in the 2011 census.
Damasta, Malevizi
Damasta, a Cretan village in Heraklion's Malevizi municipality, sits on Psiloritis' slopes. Known for agriculture, livestock, and honey, it's historically significant, mentioned in the 1583 Kastrofylakas census. During WWII, the village was destroyed by Germans, with 37 residents executed at Keratidi, commemorated by a monument. Damasta features Venetian-era churches like Saint Nicholas and Panagia, and Saints George and Demetrios. The village, part of the Tylisos municipality, has a folklore museum and a cultural association. Its population has fluctuated over time, from 338 in 1583 to 244 in 2011. The Damasta community includes nearby Astrino.
Ideon Antro cave
Now closed
Ideon Antron Cave, also known as "Spiliara" or "Cave of the Shepherdess," is located high on the slopes of Mount Ida on the Nida Plateau, Crete, 20 km from Anogia village at 1498 meters above sea level. In Greek mythology, this is where Rhea hid Zeus from Cronus. Archaeological excavations have revealed a rich history of human activity, dating back to the Neolithic period. The cave was used for worship for centuries, with peak activity during the Geometric and Archaic periods. It's open to the public from July to November, except on Tuesdays.
Kamariotis, Malevizi
Kamariotis, a Cretan village in Malevizi, Heraklion, at 620m altitude, boasts a rich history dating to the 14th century. Mentioned in 1396 Ducal Archives, its name derives from the first settler "Kamaridis" or "Kamariotis." The village played a role in Crete's struggle for independence, notably the 1867 battle. Architectural landmarks include the 16th-century Church of Saint George with Venetian/Byzantine symbols, and the 14th-century Church of Panagia with frescoes. Trypiti's rock formations, a Turkish fountain, and Kremastos' oak forest add to its charm. Viticulture is a key occupation, and festivals in April, August, and September (tsikoudia festival) celebrate local culture. The village has seen population fluctuations, from 237 inhabitants in 1583 to recent revitalization efforts.
Mourtzana, Mylopotamos
Located 33 km east of Rethymno at 335m altitude, this designated traditional settlement in the Garazo community, Mylopotamos municipality, has roots traced to the Byzantine Mourtzanos family, possibly first settled by Michael Mourtzis. Mentioned in Venetian records (as Muriziana/Murzanà) from 1577 and Ottoman records (as Merçana) from 1671, it displays a blend of Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman architectural elements, including converted buildings and fortress-like houses. Historically significant for olive oil production, it housed seven Venetian-style factories, some used during the German occupation. Key sites include the early 20th-century Agia Sophia cathedral, the 1837 Agia Paraskevi church, and an early 20th-century aqueduct. Population was 35 in 2021.
Mouses abandoned village
Mouses, an abandoned village near Mourtzana in Rethymno, Crete, reflects the island's rural past. The village's history likely mirrored other Cretan settlements, with population fluctuations due to historical events and economic shifts. Abandoned watermills highlight Mouses's role as a center for milling grain in the pre-industrial era, crucial for producing flour and other grain-based products. The village's current state reflects the rural depopulation seen in Crete during the 20th century. Mouses stands as a testament to the passage of time, with its abandoned watermills offering a glimpse into traditional practices. Although no longer inhabited, Mouses retains historical significance, providing a resource for understanding Crete's rural past.
Sklavokambos
The Sklavokampos Farm Estate, a significant Late Minoan period archaeological site in Crete, Greece, offers a unique window into Minoan life. Discovered in 1930, the estate is located southwest of Heraklion, near Tylissos. The estate's strategic location near the Minoan road network and the fertile Messara Plain suggests it played a crucial role in agricultural production and trade. The estate's architecture is simpler than Minoan palaces, featuring 17 rooms across three levels. The site includes a main room with artifacts like a clay ox head, a Late Minoan IB jug, and a stone rhyton. Sealings from Sklavokampos have been found at other Minoan sites such as Zakros, Gournia, and Hagia Triada, indicating connections across Crete. The estate also housed a small shrine, storerooms for agricultural products, and a toilet with an underground drain. Evidence suggests the estate was part of a larger settlement destroyed by fire, possibly during the Late Minoan IB period.
Zominthos, a Minoan Mountain Enclave
Zominthos, a Minoan settlement at 1200 meters on Mount Psiloritis, features a 1600+ square meter central building with over 50 rooms, showcasing Minoan architecture and craftsmanship. Excavations reveal workshops for pottery, stone carving, and potential metallurgy, alongside residential quarters and fresco-adorned spaces. Artifacts, including bronze figurines and ritual vessels, provide insights into Minoan daily life and religious practices. The site's strategic location along mountain paths links it to key destinations like the Idaean Cave, indicating secular and religious importance. Mycenaean presence confirms continued significance post-Minoan era. Ongoing research uses modern technologies to uncover the site's complex details, challenging the notion of a solely coastal Minoan civilization.