A monumental 4,000-year-old circular architectural complex from the Minoan civilization, measuring approximately 48 meters (157 feet) in diameter, was discovered on a hilltop near the construction site of the new Kastelli International Airport in Crete, Greece.
The 1,800-square-meter structure consists of eight superimposed stone rings with small walls forming interconnected spaces resembling a labyrinth or maze-like design, and a central circular building.
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Unique monumental Minoan building atop a hill on Crete in Kastelia, that will affect radar plans for the new international airport which was planned to be operational in 2027
(Photo: Handout / GREEK CULTURE MINISTRY / AFP)
The unique Minoan-era structure, the first of its kind excavated on Crete, is believed to have served a ritual or religious purpose, as evidenced by the numerous animal bones and pottery shards found inside, suggesting ceremonies involving food, wine, and offerings, akin to Minoan tombs and funerary mounds.
Its construction required considerable labor, know-how, and a robust central administration, indicating the advanced capabilities of the Minoan civilization, known for its iconic palaces and enigmatic writing system.
The discovery poses challenges for the construction of the new international airport near Kastelli, as the site was earmarked for a radar station. Greek authorities have pledged to preserve the ancient structure while continuing construction, and an alternative location will be sought for the radar station initially intended for the site.
The new airport, estimated to cost €500 million, will be the second-largest in the country and capable of handling around 18 million passengers annually.
Ongoing archaeological research aims to uncover more details about the function, exact dimensions, and historical significance of the structure, which belongs to the peak of the advanced Minoan civilization in ancient Europe, with collaboration from Greek cultural authorities.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: CNN, Smithsonian Magazine, Independent, Associated Press, The Sun, hurriyetdailynews.com, livescience.com, lavanguardia.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, lanacion.com.ar, pbs.org, tagesspiegel.de, infobae.com, natureworldnews.com, businesstelegraph.co.uk, elparcial.com.