Greek Archaeologists Unearth Ancient City Fortifications on Crete

The Greek American Herald

ATHENS -- Greek archaeologists have unearthed the fortifications of a 2,350-year-old city marked by extensive signs of siege on the southern island of Crete, officials said on Wednesday.


The archaeologists discovered the remains of a fortified tower, a city gate and a 3.5-kilometer (2.2-mile) wall surrounding the ancient city of Aptera, near the northwestern town of Chania and dating from the mid-fourth century BC, the culture ministry said in a statement.

The remains of weapons and sling bullets have also been discovered in the vicinity, in addition to funeral monuments, vessels, coins and oil lamps.

Of particular importance to research on Aptera's history were signs of battles from the post-Classical era, and the discovery of newborn infants buried near the tower, the ministry said.

Other finds included two well-preserved burial chambers, one of which still retaining its subterranean stairs and anteroom.

One of the chambers, which had been looted, contained clay figures of female forms and Eros, the ancient Greek god of love.

The island of Crete was the stronghold of the Minoans, a Bronze Age civilization that flourished some 4,000 years ago.

(Posting date 9 May 2006)

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