A recent archeological discovery in Crete has puzzled experts and may potentially obstruct the construction of a new airport in Greece. The discovery of a round stone building on the site where the airport’s radar station was meant to be built has raised questions about its original purpose. Although experts believe it may have been used for ritual ceremonies involving food, wine, and offerings, it has been decided that the airport construction will continue. Greece’s Culture Minister has vowed to preserve the find and seek an alternate location for the radar station to balance the importance of cultural heritage with economic growth potential. Set to open in 2027, the new Crete airport is expected to become the country’s second largest, replacing Heraklion airport, and catering to up to 18 million travelers annually.
The discovered structure is just one of 35 archeological finds at the site of the new airport. The Greek Culture Ministry has described it as a “unique and extremely interesting find” from Crete’s Minoan civilization, known for its lavish palaces, intricate art, and mysterious writing system. This recent excavation has revealed an impressive 1,800-square-meter building, which archaeologists speculate may have had religious or ritualistic significance due to its layout and artifacts found within. Despite the lack of known Minoan parallels, experts believe that the building was likely a communal structure that required specialized knowledge, labor, and central administration. Its age, dating back to 2000-1700 B.C., coincides with the construction of Crete’s earliest palaces, mirroring certain features found in ancient Greek burial mounds and tombs.
The structure, resembling a large car wheel from an aerial view, features eight stepped stone walls and interconnected spaces within. It is believed to have had a shallow conical roof and was not used as a dwelling, as evidenced by the multitude of animal bones found at the site. The building’s intricate design and architectural layout suggest a sophisticated level of construction and planning, indicating a central administration or religious function. While the purpose of the building remains uncertain, ongoing excavations and analysis are shedding light on its significance within the Minoan civilization. This find adds to the rich history of the area, which has seen previous archeological discoveries, including a fortified settlement from the 3rd millennium B.C. that was unearthed and subsequently destroyed during the construction of Athens International Airport at the end of the 20th century.
The discovery of the stone building poses a dilemma for authorities, balancing the need for economic development, such as the new airport, with the preservation of cultural heritage. Greece’s Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni, herself an archaeologist, recognizes the importance of acknowledging and protecting antiquities while supporting projects that drive growth and progress. With a commitment to respecting the find and seeking an alternative site for the radar station, Mendoni aims to balance the priorities of historical preservation with modern infrastructure development. The new Crete airport is poised to be a significant hub for tourism and travel, replacing the current second-largest airport in Greece and accommodating millions of passengers annually. As excavation and research continue on the site, further insights into the Minoan civilization and its architectural achievements are expected to emerge, enriching our understanding of this ancient culture and its contributions to history.
