June 14th 2024.
Archaeologists are scratching their heads over a recent discovery on the island of Crete. A massive building, estimated to be around 4000 years old, was unearthed on a hilltop and has caused quite a stir. The Greek Culture Ministry announced on Tuesday that this finding is a one-of-a-kind gem from the Minoan civilization, known for their lavish palaces, vibrant artwork, and cryptic writing system.
The structure itself resembles a colossal wheel when viewed from above and covers an astounding 1800 square meters. It was uncovered during a recent dig by a team of archaeologists. Interestingly, this site was originally supposed to be home to a radar station for a new airport being constructed near the town of Kastelli. The airport, set to open in 2027, is expected to accommodate up to 18 million travelers per year and will replace the current second-largest airport in Greece located in Heraklion.
However, the purpose of this ancient building is still a mystery to experts. It is currently under excavation and has no known similarities to other Minoan structures. Some suggest that it may have been used for religious or ritualistic practices. The inner structure is divided into smaller interconnected spaces and is surrounded by eight stepped stone walls, reaching up to 1.7 meters in height. It also appears to have had a shallow conical roof.
According to the Culture Ministry, the building was not a dwelling and contained a large number of animal bones. They speculate that it may have been used periodically for ceremonies involving food, wine, and offerings. The sheer size and intricate construction of this building indicate that it must have required a great deal of labor, specialized knowledge, and a strong central administration. It certainly stood out among the other structures in the area.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, who is also an archaeologist, has promised to preserve the site while finding an alternative location for the radar station. She stressed the value and importance of cultural heritage and the potential for growth with the new airport project. "It is possible to move forward with the airport while also protecting the antiquities," she stated.
The ministry revealed that the building was primarily used between 2000 and 1700 BC and was built around the same time as other significant Minoan palaces, such as Knossos and Phaistos. Some of its features are similar to early Minoan beehive tombs with stepped conical roofs and burial mounds found in other parts of Greece.
Unfortunately, conflicts often arise between the preservation of Greece's rich cultural heritage and construction projects. In the past, an entire fortified settlement dating back to the third millennium BC was excavated and subsequently destroyed during the construction of Athens International Airport. As construction continues on the new Kastelli airport and its road connections, the ministry reports that at least 35 other archaeological sites have been discovered.
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