More than 100 archaeologists discover rich Early Minoan finds in Crete

Important remains from the Early Minoan era (circa 2,600 B.C.) were unveiled near the complex of monuments currently being excavated by archaeologists in Sisi, in the Lasithi region on Crete.

"After the abandonment of the settlement by its people, who left almost the entirety of their material culture in loco, a monumental structure was built to the east of the village. This building became the heart of the later west wing. Even though it was destroyed by a fire in 2,500 B.C., its remains were almost fully incorporated into the construction of a complex of monumental buildings with a courtyard, which was constructed around 1,700 BC," said a Greek Culture Ministry announcement on Thursday.

Photo Source: Greek Ministry of Culture ©EBSA, J. Driessen

Further excavation has revealed a decorated floor, constructed with high-quality mortar and a well-made 33-meter clay drainage pipe, the ministry said.

Significant finds from lesser-known eras have also been discovered in other parts of the hill, among them a residence that was destroyed in the Mid-Minoan Era, probably by an earthquake. A box-shaped grave belonging to the Post-Minoan era containing an almost intact skeleton of a woman was also found. A copper mirror with an ivory handle, dress pins made of copper and a necklace with 15 olive-shaped golden beads and 15 smaller golden beads were also found inside the grave. These kinds of graves are rare on Crete and usually only found in Knossos and Chania.

Photo Source: Greek Ministry of Culture ©M. Αναστασιάδου

The Culture Ministry said that over 100 archaeologists of different nationalities participated in the 10th excavation period conducted by the Belgian School of Athens in Sisi, in collaboration with the Lasithi Antiquities Ephorate under the guidance of Professor Jan Driessen.

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