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The Minoan villa at Vathypetro
The Vathypetro Minoan Villa, located near Archanes, Crete, reveals insights into elite Minoan life and economic activities during the Late Minoan IA and IB periods (1600-1425 BC).
Initially a residential complex with palatial features like reception halls and a tripartite shrine, it later evolved into an industrial hub with olive presses, workshops for pottery, wine, and textiles, and storage areas. Architectural details include pier-and-door partitions, columns, and a shrine aligned with equinoxes, suggesting ritual and agricultural connections. The villa’s strategic location on a Minoan route from Knossos to the Messara plain and evidence of Linear A documents highlight its administrative and economic significance. The site offers a glimpse into the sophisticated organization and resourcefulness of Minoan society.
Castel del Corner
The Castello del Corner, or Fortress of Kornaron, stands on Kastellos hill near Katalagari, Crete. Tradition attributes its construction to Nikephoros Phokas in 961 AD, following the Arab expulsion. During Venetian rule, it served as a fiefdom for the Corner family, linked to the famed poet Vitsentzos Kornaros. The rectangular fortress, with a 5.5-meter high wall, spans approximately 50 acres, and features Minoan-era wine presses and the church of Zoodochos Pigi. Ruins include wall remnants and possible cisterns, reflecting its role in Malvasia wine production. Restoration efforts have stabilized parts of the perimeter wall.
Giouchtas Minoan Peak Sanctuary
The Giouchtas Minoan Peak Sanctuary, located on the mountain of Giouchtas near Epano Archanes in Crete, is an archaeological site dating back to the Early Bronze Age. The site is associated with Minoan religion and offers insights into the ritual practices and beliefs of the Minoan civilization. Archaeological investigations have revealed structures, including a temenos, and artifacts like clay figurines and pottery fragments. The sanctuary's location on a mountain peak is characteristic of Minoan peak sanctuaries, chosen for its association with the divine realm and visibility. The Giouchtas sanctuary is located near Knossos and Archanes, suggesting it played an important role in the religious and social life of the Minoan people.
