Archaeology Zominthos

zominthos ceramic workshop nw

in 1982, greek archaeologist yannis sakellarakis unveiled large, two-story minoan building @ altitude below 1200m. building s unusual size , careful construction, incorporates features pertinent palatial architecture, has attracted interest of archaeologists. significance of discovery emphasized further fact lies considerably above attitudinal limit of minoan , modern cretan settlements. excavations have unearthed small part of building , still under way. however, have made clear structure has been built , unusually well-preserved, of remaining walls rising 3 meters in height. has strict north-south orientation , extends @ least 1350 m², more 100 rooms on ground floor alone, of frescoes. unique minoan crete discovery of large pottery workshop. equally important unearthed artefacts made processed rock crystal.

the building belongs neopalatial period , abandoned after big earthquake around 1600 bc. archaeological research conducted under directions of prof. yannis sakellarakis brief collaboration (2005-2007) of university of heidelberg (prof diamantis panagiotopoulos). after death of yannis sakellarakis in 2010 excavation continues under direction of dr. efi sapouna-sakellaraki.