Context: A 4,000-year-old stone structure from the Minoan civilization discovered on a Cretan hilltop is puzzling archaeologists and threatening the construction of a new airport near Kastelli, Crete Island (Greece)
Described by Greece’s Culture Ministry as a “unique and extremely interesting find,” this labyrinthine, 1,800-square-meter building resembles a huge car wheel from above and features eight-stepped stone walls.
About Crete Island
Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea, situated in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. It is bordered by the Sea of Crete to the north, the Libyan Sea to the south, the Myrtoan Sea to the west, and the Carpathian Sea to the east. The island features rugged mountains, with Mt. Ida (Psiloritis) being the highest point.
Historical Context
Crete has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age, with the Minoan Civilization emerging around 2700-1420 BCE. After a major earthquake, the Mycenaeans took over, followed by various rulers including the Romans, Byzantines, Andalusians, Venetians, and Ottomans. Crete joined Greece after gaining independence from Ottoman rule.
