Archaeologists Discover Previously Unknown Ancient City on a Greek Island
Archaeologists have uncovered an unknown ancient city in the village of Paleokastro on the Greek island of Crete, believed to have been founded around the 6th century BCE and thriving until the 6th century CE.
According to Greek Reporter, researchers have found remarkable artifacts and new data that add to what is already known about the history of this city. Archaeologists are now working to correctly identify its name.
"We hope that new findings such as inscriptions and coins will allow us to precisely identify the city's name. However, it's already evident that its strategic location between the fertile valley of the Struma River and the slopes of the ore-rich Kerdyllion and Vertiskos mountains contributed to its long and successful history," say the archaeologists.
Archaeologists note that there are already numerous known cities that flourished in this region in ancient times, but most of them cannot be definitively identified.
They also point out that the excavations indicate that this ancient city existed for a considerable period. Moreover, the discovered inscriptions suggest the presence of political institutions during the Roman Empire.
Discoveries have shown that this territory was initially under the control of the Thracian tribe of Bisaltians. However, it was later settled by Greeks from southern cities and the Macedonian Kingdom. Excavation finds include Greek pottery dating back to the 6th century BCE.
During the excavations, various architectural phases have been identified, including parts of a Hellenistic fortification, a Roman basilica, a winemaking workshop (cistern) from Roman times, and two Christian churches.
Several tombs from different epochs have also been unearthed, including a Macedonian-type tomb believed to belong to brothers Ipponakta and Dioscorides. These two were sons of Apollodoros, a comrade of Alexander the Great, according to historical sources.
Archaeological research in this area began as far back as 1965.
The archaeological team aims to restore this historically significant place to the public eye, hoping that the ancient city in Greece will become a popular attraction for visitors. Moreover, they are hopeful that it will serve as a source of cultural and economic development for the region.