Eleftherna-archaelogical site, Crete, Greece, Creta, Grecia

The archaeological site of Eleftherna is situated in the area between the villages of Eleftherna. Archaeology excavations in the area started in late 1920s' by the British expedition.


Eleftherna was one of the most important cities of ancient Crete. It is not certain when it was established, but recent findings link it to the Minoan period. The ancient city stood on a hill in the foothills of Mount Psiloritis. Key findings have been discovered in three areas of the hill.


At Orthi Petra (West side of the hill) archaeologists have uncovered a necropolis dating back to the Geometric Period, along with Roman buildings and streets built on top of earlier constructions.


At Pyrgi (on the summit of the hill) remains from the Roman and Early Christian Periods have been discovered.


On the East side of the hill, near the modern village of Eleftherna, researchers have uncovered a settlement with remains spanning all stages from Pre-historic to Early Christian eras. Some of the more important remains include Hellenistic walls, Roman buildings and baths and an early Christian basilica.


Read more interesting topic about archaeology excavations.