The huge complex was probably used for ritual offerings and feasts.
Image credit: Greek Ministry of Culture
In Greek mythology, the island of Crete provides the setting for a legendary battle between the heroic Theseus and the half-human, half-bull monstrosity known as the Minotaur, which is said to have lived inside a maddening labyrinth. And while there’s little truth to this fable, archaeologists have just discovered a monumental labyrinthine structure atop a Cretan hill.
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According to a statement from the Greek Ministry of Culture, the unusual construction is the first of its kind to be discovered in Crete and was likely built by the Minoans between 2000 and 1700 BCE. Often regarded as the first true civilization in Europe, the Bronze Age Minoan culture is famed for its monumental palaces and innovative writing system.
The newly discovered labyrinth is located at an altitude of 494 meters (1,621 feet), at the summit of Papoura Hill, and was found during the installation of a radar system for a new airport servicing the town of Kastelli. Officials have announced that the construction of the airport will still go ahead, but that a new location will be found for the radar equipment so that the ancient site can be excavated and protected.
Consisting of eight concentric circular walls – with an average thickness of 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) – the unusual structure measures 48 meters (157 feet) across and covers a total of 1,800 square meters (19,375 square feet), with the maximum height of the surviving walls estimated at 1.7 meters (5.6 feet). The labyrinth is divided into four zones by a series of radial walls that intersect the various rings, while small openings act as passageways between these sections.
At the center of the labyrinth is a circular building, which is also divided into four quadrants. According to the Ministry of Culture, the full layout and total height of the confusing structure remain unknown, but will hopefully be revealed as excavation work continues.
The labyrinth's monumental size and prominent location hint at its symbolic importance.
Image credit: Greek Ministry of Culture
In all likelihood, the site was built around the time that the very first Minoan palaces were erected. Based on the distribution of animal bones within the inner rings of the maze, experts believe it probably served as a ceremonial space where rituals involving offerings and feasts were conducted.
Despite the temptation to draw parallels between this stunning discovery and the mythological lair of the Minotaur, it’s highly unlikely that the two are connected. For one thing, the hideous bull-man creature is said to have lived in an underground labyrinth in the ancient town of Knossos, so the locations don’t match.
So far, no evidence that the Minotaur or his subterranean hellhole existed has ever been discovered – and it probably never will. Still, the appearance of a labyrinth on the island of Crete is sure to excite mythology lovers.
The partially submerged ancient building was uncovered at Salamis, Greece. Credit: Hellenic Ministry of Culture
Archaeologists believe that the ancient submerged structure at Salamis, Greece, discovered in 2023, still unveils secrets that may provide insights into its original purpose.
Underwater research on the eastern shores at Ampelaki Bay of Salamis has in recent years uncovered remains of the Classical city, including large sections of the sea wall, and other public constructions.
Last year a partially submerged large, long and narrow public building was discovered. The building has now been tracked for a length of 32 meters and a width of 6 meters.
Based on the size, shape, and arrangement of its spaces, archeologists assume that the building presents all the characteristics of a portico: a porch leading to the entrance of a building, or extended as a colonnade, with a roof structure over a walkway, supported by columns.
191w, 651w, 768w, 150w, 300w, 600w, 696w, 1392w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-lazy-src="https://greekreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/salamis-archeological-discovery-credit-Greek-ministry-of-culture-2-1.jpg" data-ll-status="loaded" />The long building has solid walls. Credit: Hellenic Ministry of Culture
Salamis ancient wonder includes a series of at least 6-7 rooms
The interior includes a series of at least 6-7 rooms, of which one was investigated, with internal dimensions of 4.7 x 4.7 meters., with large storage pits. It has solid walls, about 60 centimeters thick, made of large hewn stone plinths.
The ancient remains, as is the case with other adjacent structures, are stripped of their building material, because the specific area has been a convenient field for obtaining building materials throughout the years, until the end of the 19th century.
Mobile findings
The excavation of the building also yielded several mobile findings. A large amount of pottery from various periods was recovered.
294w, 768w, 150w, 300w, 600w, 696w, 1392w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-lazy-src="https://greekreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/salamis-archeological-discovery-credit-Greek-ministry-of-culture-3.jpg" data-ll-status="loaded" />The upper part of a marble resolution column of the 4th c. BC, with a relief section. Credit: Hellenic Ministry of Culture
The ceramic findings related to the building’s function include abundant fragments of vases of various categories and ceramics of the Classical-Hellenistic period, among them many samples of Athenian enamel pottery of the Late Classical period (4th century BC), the Ministry of Culture said in a press release.
Among other things, many sherds of amphorae, prohons, red-painted tablets, 1-2 intact lamps and fragments of other items from the Late Roman period were found.
293w, 150w, 300w, 600w, 696w, 1392w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" data-lazy-src="https://greekreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/salamis-archaeology-credit-ministry-culture-4.jpg" data-ll-status="loaded" />Fragment of a statue of Asclepius discovered at the submerged building on Salamis. Credit: Hellenic Ministry of Culture
More important is the set of Athenian colored vases and shells of the Late Classical period (4th century BC). Many clay objects were also collected, mainly amphora stoppers, fragments of marble objects and 22 bronze coins, Athenian and others.
Of the marble findings, two are of particular importance and date back to the 4th century.
The first is a column fragment with part of an inscription. The second is the upper part of a stele, with part of a relief representation, of which the bare muscular right hand of a large figure, possibly a hero crowning a standing bearded man is preserved.
<img class="wp-image-843599 size-full entered exited" src="data:;base64," alt="Salamis Ancient Building" width="900" height="675" data-lazy-srcset="https://greekreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/salamis-archeological-discovery-credit-Greek-ministry-of-culture-4.jpg 900w, 300w, 768w, 80w, 160w, 150w, 600w, 696w, 1392w, 265w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" data-lazy-src="https://greekreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/salamis-archeological-discovery-credit-Greek-ministry-of-culture-4.jpg" />Tiny ancient vessels were also discovered at Salamis. Credit: Hellenic Ministry of Culture
Excavations also yielded a remarkable find of a naval nature. A small stone slab-shaped anchor (36 x 29 cm, 8.5 cm thick), with a hole for the mooring rope.
248w, 848w, 768w, 150w, 300w, 600w, 696w, 1392w" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1043px) 100vw, 1043px" data-lazy-src="https://greekreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/salamis-archaeology-credit-ministry-culture-5.jpg" data-ll-status="loading" />A stone anchor was discovered. Credit: Hellenic Ministry of Culture
Archaeologists say that the discovery of the building and its contents is a very important new element for the study of the topography and residential organization of the ancient city.
Ancient city of Salamis
Salamis was probably first colonized by Aegina and later occupied by Megara, but became an Athenian possession in the time of Solon or Peisistratos, following the war between Athens and Megara around 600 BC.
According to Strabo, the ancient capital was on the south of the island; in classical times it was to the east, on the Kamatero Peninsula overlooking the Strait of Salamis; in modern times it is on the west.
According to Homer’s Iliad, Salamis took part in the Trojan War with twelve ships under the leadership of Ajax (Aias).
Salamis island is known for the Battle of Salamis, the decisive naval victory of the allied Greek fleet, led by Themistocles, over the Persian Empire in 480 BC. It is said to be the birthplace of Ajax and Euripides, the latter’s birth being popularly placed on the day of the battle.
Could These Be Some Of The Oldest Pyramids in Peru!?
Exploring these ancient unexcavated structures in a remote region of Peru and connecting dots to other early pre-ceramic sites. They certainly seem to share construction characteristics with many of the oldest known pyramid shaped constructions in Peru. Albeit not made of stone blocks, which would certainly come later over millennia, could these be from a precursor civilization that we do not know much about? Only time will tell and hopefully after gaining interest (and therefore funding) there could actually someday be an archaeological investigation that would provide those answers. Support links below. Join me as I explore and highlight the amazing temple structures found at this ancient unexcavated site. This video presents on-the-ground footage, with possibly the only modern media that exists of this location. The only other images available are few, and from a little known archaeological survey conducted in the early 1980's; where even the lead archaeologists suggests older possible dating. He is even quoted as saying this is a site he always wanted to go back to, to properly excavate, but hasn't had the chance. Video reference links: Julius Bird's excavations at Huaca Prieta: https://digitallibrary.amnh.org/items... Science Magazine article: https://www.science.org/content/artic... Link for part 1: • Verifying Unexcavated Massive Pyramid... Subscribe for the next adventure! Please share, and join the community for updated videos, access to photos, behind-the-scenes footage, 3D models and more!
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