A monumental circular architectural ensemble on a surface of about 1800 square meters, came to light on the top of Papoura hill
The excavation research that is in progress at the top of Papoura hill, at an altitude of 494m. NW of the town of Kastelli and the under-construction airstrip, brought to light an impressive Minoan find.
It is a monumental architectural ensemble, in a circular shape, unique for Minoan archaeology, with a diameter of about 48m and covering an area of ​​about 1800sq.m.
The Minoan building is located at the highest point of the hill, in a part of the top that was expropriated for the installation of Surveillance Systems (radar) of the new airport.
In order to evaluate the find and plan the continuation of the airport construction project, a wide meeting was held at the construction site of the airport under construction and an autopsy on the hill with the participation of all the parties involved under the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni and the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Nikos Tahiao.
During the meeting, Lina Mendoni stated that the research must continue so that the excavators can interpret the find, and of course save it given its uniqueness.
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The first monument of this type that has been identified and excavated in Crete
According to information from the Ministry of the Interior, this monumental structure consists of 8 superimposed stone rings – average thickness 1.40m, and maximum estimated surviving height 1.7m – developed at different altitude levels.
The rings form in the center one circular building (zone A) with a diameter of 15 m.
Zone A is surrounded by a second main zone (zone B, max. width 6.9), in which radial walls intersect vertically the rings of the lower levels forming smaller spaces.
As the excavation progresses, a almost labyrinthine structure, as the spaces communicate with each other through narrow openings. Two possible main entrances to the central zones were revealed on the SW and NW sides.
THE main period of use seems to have been between (2000-1700 BC)that is, it was probably founded shortly before or at the beginning of the Palaeopalatial period (MMI – II), while the presence of neopalatial pottery in the destruction layer indicates that the use of the monument continued during the period of the new palaces.
As at this stage the excavation research is still ongoing, it is currently not possible to determine the original form or the total height of the structure. The housing of the central zone, as indicated by the exhortational building system, was probably either in the shape of a truncated cone or vaulted. The two zones A and B formed by the upper rings appear to be the main focus of activity. The amount and type of finds, as well as the presence of a large amount of animal bones, does not indicate – until today – permanent residential use, but probably periodic use in the form of rituals possibly taking place, which involved the consumption of food, wine and perhaps offerings.
This is the first monument of this type that has been identified and excavated in Crete. Its size, architectural structure and meticulous construction required considerable work, specialized experience and a strong central administration, which organized its construction. What is certain is that it is about some type of community building – landmark for the wider area of ​​the Plain.
The fact that the structure is monumental and prominent probably indicates the importance of the location, but also the range of the population it would serve.
Source: Skai
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