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Palaikastro : site and excavations

NEW (12 october 2001)

> Press release

“Palaikastro, its immediate territory with the Minoan sites, the beach and the hinterland now stand on the World Monuments Fund list 2002. It has been listed as one of the 101 most endangered sites in the world together with the Chinese Wall, the historic centre of Damascus, ancient Chersonesos in Turkey and the Holy City of Caral, Barranca in Peru. So far, all of the sites which ever figured on the list have survived up to present. Only the site of Tamba Waris (Pakistan) was lost due to a flood. For many of the sites rescue programs are set up by the WMF and its principal sponsor American Express. Over the last years more than 49 580 000 Euro has been invested in these operations. The WMF has estimated that 1 740 000 Euro will be needed to protect the Minoan town and its surroundings.”

Archaeological excavations at the site of Rousolakkos took place from the beginning of last century. First under Bosanquet and in the sixties under the direction of L.H. Sackett and M.R. Popham, generations of archaeologists excavated the most extensive Minoan town in Crete. Recent campaigns were led by L.H. Sackett and J.A. MacGillivray for the British School at Athens. The ‘Université Catholique de Louvain’ will participate in future excavations under the direction of J. Driessen.

Modern Palaikastro lies at the east end of the island of Crete. The archaeological site is situated close to the sea at the place called Rousolakkos. There is a well sheltered harbour, a low hill on the beach called Kastri (89,79 m) and a plain in which the Minoan city of Palaikastro was built. South of the town are lying several hills. One of those which dominates the city is Petsophas. On its top (254,75 m) there was a large and long occupied peak sanctuary, dated to Middle Minoan II – Late Minoan I.

The town of Palaikastro has been carefully laid out along numerous paved streets. Most of those streets covered water channels. The well-built houses formed blocks. The most prosperous period seems to have been Late Minoan I. A destruction at the end of Late Minoan I did not stop the inhabitants from reoccupying the city in Late Minoan II. Yet, in Late Minoan IIIC the settlement moved up the hill of Kastri. This most likely reflects another period of trouble.

Until present, the city of Palaikastro lacks a central building. Recent geomorphological research south of the town has suggested that there are remains of a large building (see recent articles in the Greek newspapers). One of the most spectacular finds so far has been the cryselephantine statuette of a male which is now on exhibition in the museum of Sitia. He has a serpentine head and rock-crystal eyes. Many of his clothing was made of gold such as his sandals and dagger. The building in which this statue was found has been interpreted as a shrine. The statue was possibly destroyed by pillagers or in the course of a social disruption.

> Links

http://www.ancient-greece.org/archaeology/palekastro.html

http://www.bsa.gr

> Pictures

- some pictures of the PK 2003 excavation campagn !