Ancient Phalasarna

Circular defensive tower, one of the port's fortifications (4th century BC).
Sector:
Culture
Implementation Body:
AEGEAS Non-Profit Civil Company
Year:
2024
Location:
Gramvousa Peninsula, Prefecture of Chania, Crete

Ancient Phalasarna is built on a headland of the Gramvousa Peninsula in western Crete, facing the western Mediterranean Sea in the direction of Sicily and South Italy. Its prehistoric culture was lost, due to successive earthquakes, and the area was abandoned until the eighth century BC, when it was resettled by the new tribe, of the Dorians. The incomers brought with them Greek script, established a legislative framework and a political system, organized trade and developed seafaring, which enhanced them as a nautical power. Around the rocky coast they constructed a harbour, which has clear Phoenician features, surrounding it with elaborate defensive towers, quays and fortification walls, thus securing their domination at sea for 260 years (4th-1st c. BC). Upon the ruins of the prehistoric settlement, the settlers built the ancient acropolis with public buildings and temples, one of which was dedicated to the goddess Demeter (5th c. BC). Since 2020, the Non-profit Civil Company AEGEAS has contributed to the funding of the excavations of various monuments in the ancient city, while thanks to a donation from AEGEAS excavation of the temple on the acropolis commenced in 2022.

The excavations carried out during the 2023–2024 season focused on the investigation of the natural rocky cavities surrounding the Temple of Demeter. Stone tools made of flint and obsidian, found within the deposits and dating to the Late Neolithic period (3500 BC), confirmed the presence of the lost prehistoric culture of Phalasarna, as also attested by its pre-Greek name.

Ritual bothroi were identified beside the terraces, containing a large number (over 500) of votive finds associated with the Thesmophoria of the Classical period.

In addition to the excavations, the study and architectural documentation of Phoenician monuments in the harbour contributed to the understanding of the diachronic presence of this seafaring people of the Near East at Phalasarna.

DONATION OF THE NON-PROFIT CIVIL COMPANY AEGEAS

  • Excavation research and conservation of the archaeological material.

Image credits: Angelos Nakasis, Ioulis Glampedakis, Nike Marder, E. Chatzidakis

The Temple of Demeter on the saddle of the acropolis (5th century BC).
The Temple of Demeter on the saddle of the acropolis (5th century BC).
Virtual Representation of the Temple of the Goddess Demeter of the 5th century BC during the Thesmophoria ceremonies. The priestesses are depicted in the altar area. (The temple plans are by Angelos Nakasis, the archaeological evidence by Elpida Hatzidaki, the image representation, processing and expenditure from Professor Gunnar Liestol, Department of Media and Communication, University of Oslo, Norway).
Virtual Representation of the Temple of the Goddess Demeter of the 5th century BC during the Thesmophoria ceremonies. The priestesses are depicted in the altar area. (The temple plans are by Angelos Nakasis, the archaeological evidence by Elpida Hatzidaki, the image representation, processing and expenditure from Professor Gunnar Liestol, Department of Media and Communication, University of Oslo, Norway).
Black-painted beaked jar with a red-figure representation of a flying Cupid (late 4th/early 3rd century BC).
Black-painted beaked jar with a red-figure representation of a flying Cupid (late 4th/early 3rd century BC).
Part of a pediment with a relief representation of a dog (Cretan tracker) and a shield, possibly originating from the fortified gate of the harbor (2nd century BC).
Part of a pediment with a relief representation of a dog (Cretan tracker) and a shield, possibly originating from the fortified gate of the harbor (2nd century BC).
Photogrammetric documentation of the sanctuary terraces.
Phoenician monument, total height 1.6 m (3rd century BC).
Athanasios and Marina Martinos Foundation
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