Museum 900 sq.m. at the new airport facilities
Important archaeological treasures are revealed on the occasion of the works carried out in new airport in Kasteli as well as the road axes that will lead to it from Heraklion, Hersonissos and Arkalochori.
“After almost three years of archaeological research and the investigation of about 30 excavation sites we thought it would be good to inform the public about the excavation that is taking place,” he told the Cretalive the head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion Mrs. Vassiliki Sythiakaki.
The finds have demonstrated the entire time span of the settlement in the Plain from the Neolithic era, the prehistoric times, the Minoan to the Byzantine period. “There is an abundance of finds that demonstrate residential, fortified, agro-technical sites that show that the area had a great economic and cultural development throughout antiquity and especially during the Minoan period,” she pointed out.
It is noted that currently more than 120 people are working in the archaeological field of the project: archaeologists, conservators, engineers, technicians, architects, photographers. “We are all coordinating together so that not only all the findings that exist in the Plain are saved, but also that they are highlighted for the next generations” said to Cretalive Ms. Danai Kontopodi, archaeologist of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion and general coordinator of the archaeological work in the project of the new international airport in Kasteli.
The findings are also important because they demonstrate the connection of the Plain with other important centers of the Bronze Age and later such as Knossos, Malia, Arkalochori, Galatas etc.
The archaeological findings discovered during the works are also great for another reason: because they helped archaeologists complete a puzzle of history through time.
The numerous sites investigated in the context of the major public works (construction of the airport and road axes) brought to light important facts about life and human activity during antiquity, documenting the uninterrupted habitation and prosperity of the wider area from prehistory to the Middle Ages.
Museum 900 sq.m. within the new airport
A new museum of 900 square meters is planned to be created inside the new airport in Kasteli as well as an outdoor space which will house the thousands of important finds that came to light from the archaeological dig.
In fact, in some cases entire constructions were detached, due to their great importance, in order to be transported and exhibited in the new special area within the airport.
“We are very pleased to be participating in our own way in the archaeological research that is being done here in Kasteli as the findings are many and important. We are cooperating excellently with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion and the Ministry of Culture and we hope that in the new period that is coming, i.e. during the operation of the airport, the findings will be part of the living society of Kastelli”, said Mr. Michalis Ginalis, archaeologist of of GEK TERNA group.
“Modern human public works are large-scale interventions that catalyze the immediate and wider human environment. Often they have not been blamed for their effects on the cultural heritage of our country. However, we have to admit that without the projects, so many and such large-scale excavations would never have been carried out in this area and most of the important findings for the history of the area would have remained in the dark forever”, concluded Mrs. Sythiakaki. .
The new museum is expected to start operating with the handover of the new airport, i.e. around 2027.
Source :Skai
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