Mochlos, Siteia

Mochlos is a small, rocky island in the Gulf of Mirabello in eastern Crete, with an area of about 150 m. It is located about 27 km from Siteia. The island is also the name of the present-day village across from the island. It is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful scenery and archaeological site.

Geography

Mochlos is located on the northern coast of Crete, in the Lasithi region. It is a small island, only about 1.5 km long and 1 km wide. The island is rocky and barren, with a few small beaches. The village of Mochlos is located on the mainland, opposite the island. The island was connected to the mainland in ancient times, but it is now separated by a narrow strait. The island is located in the middle of a small bay, which provides shelter for boats. The water is very deep and clear, and the island is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.

History

Ancient History

Mochlos was inhabited in Minoan times and was an important center of Minoan civilization. The Minoans were a Bronze Age civilization that flourished on Crete from about 2700 to 1450 BC. The Minoans were known for their advanced culture and their trade relations with other civilizations. Mochlos was a major port city in Minoan times, and it was also an important center for the production of pottery and other goods. The Minoan settlement at Mochlos was destroyed by a volcanic eruption on the island of Thera (modern Santorini) in about 1628 BC. The settlement was rebuilt, but it was never as important as it had been before the eruption.

Medieval and Modern History

Mochlos was abandoned after the Minoan period, and it was not resettled until the 17th century AD. The Venetians, who ruled Crete at the time, built a small fort on the island to protect it from pirates. The fort was destroyed in the 19th century, but some of the ruins can still be seen today. Mochlos was a small fishing village until recently, but it has now become a popular tourist destination. The village has a number of restaurants, hotels, and shops. There is also a small museum that displays artifacts from the Minoan settlement.