This 4,000-Year-Old Labyrinthine Monument Is the First of Its Kind to Turn Up in Crete

An ancient stone structure made up of concentric stone walls on a hilltop

Workers installing a radar system ahead of an airport construction project in the town of Kastelli in Crete stumbled on a large architectural monument, one unique for Minoan archaeology.

Located at the highest point of Papoura Hill, at an alтιтude of 1,620 feet, the complex dates to between 2000–1700 B.C.E., at the onset of Minoan civilization. It comprises eight thick, concentric stone rings, with a circular building at its center. Measuring 15 meters in diameter, this central edifice is divided into four quadrants, its radial walls intersecting vertically. Ongoing excavation has found the entire structure, which covers about 1,800 square meters, boasts a labyrinthine design, with various spaces accessible through narrow openings.  

The monument is the first of its kind to be found in Crete. Researchers are still working to discover its original form and purpose, though they have noted similarities between this circular complex and the architectural ensembles of the early Bronze Age in the Middle East, as well as the tombs of the Pre-Palatial and Paleo-Palatial eras of southern Crete.  

This period coincides with the island’s early Bronze Age history, or the Early to Middle Minoan ages. Named after the mythological king Minos, Minoan society, believed to be Europe’s earliest civilization, was known for its advances in trade, seafaring, and the arts. Surviving Minoan relics bear traces of the culture’s lavish palaces, intricate pottery and jewelry, and elaborate multi-use tombs.

An ancient stone structure made up of concentric stone walls

So far, archaeologists have deduced that the complex was a type of community building, likely with a ceremonial or religious function, its size and location indicating that it served a vast population. While it appears to have been used largely during the Pre-Palatial period, as indicated by traces of human activity in the central structure, Neo-Palatial pottery discovered in the destruction layer suggests it remained in use close to the Late Minoan period.  

In a statement, the Greek Culture Ministry stated that a new location for the forthcoming airport’s radar station will be sourced in order that archaeologists can continue to study and preserve the structure. 

“This is a unique find of great interest,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni. “The priority is the protection of the monument. We all understand the importance and value of cultural heritage. The construction of the new airport will proceed and the antiquities will be protected as they should be.” 

According to the ministry, construction work on Heraklion Airport in Kastelli has seen the discovery of no less than 35 archaeological sites.  

Related Posts

Golden Ratio & Sacred Geometry at Giza: Ancient Precision That Challenges Modern Science

Amid the endless sands west of the Nile, the Giza pyramid complex—comprising the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure—has…

Forgotten Hydraulic Mastery: The 2,200-Year-Old Stone Water Pipeline of the Lycians

Nestled within the forested hills of modern-day southern Turkey, near the ruins of ancient Patara in the Lycian region, lies one of the most astonishing yet little-known…

The Discovery of KV46: The Legacy of Yuya and Tuya

A Remarkable Tomb in the Valley of the Kings The discovery of KV46 in 1905 by archaeologist James Quibell was a groundbreaking moment in Egyptology. Unlike many…

Unveiling the Mysteries: Lady Caviglione and Discoveries from the Cave

The Balzi Rossi, or Grimaldi Caves, located at the border crossing between Italy and France, is one of the most significant Paleolithic archaeological sites in Europe. This…

Unveiling Hidden Histories: The Remains of Early Settlers in America

A Groundbreaking Archaeological Discovery in St. Augustine A remarkable archaeological discovery has shed new light on the history of the earliest European settlers in North America. Beneath…

The Cosmic Enigma: Unraveling the Secrets of the Willamette Meteorite

The Enigmatic Willamette Meteorite: A Celestial Giant The mummy of AmenH๏τep I, a renowned pharaoh of ancient Egypt, has been exquisitely preserved for over three millennia. Scientists…