Archaeologists have unearthed a unique and mysterious Minoan monument on a hilltop on the island of Crete and which is overlooking the newly planned airport, the Greek Culture Ministry announced recently. The new discovery in Crete may be legendary Minotaur labyrinth, from the time of King Minos.
The remains of the building had been found on a hill at Kastelli at 1640 feet in a spot planned for the airport’s radar system.
“It is a unique discovery of particular interest,” Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said, with the ministry statement adding that it is the “first of its kind” found on Crete.
The circular stone building is 19,300 square feet in size and contains eight “nearly labyrinthine” rings connected via small openings, it said.
The intended use of the complex is not known but researchers speculate it was for rituals about 4,000 years ago. A large quantity of animal bones was found on the site, suggesting animal sacrifices were part of the rituals.
Radar systems will be planned for a new location. Of the 10 million travelers expected annually to the new Crete airport ready in 2027 — look down as you fly over some important history.
The Minoans were a naval superpower of the Bronze Age era who originated on Crete and other Aegean islands until about 1500 BC. A possible Minoan cargo ship was found sunken off the coast of Israel recently during routine exploration for natural gas. The discovery suggests that Minoans were expert navigators who used technology to navigate by the sun, moon and stars as the ship was far from the coastline when it sunk.
