‘Crete’ Archives
Ten Against the Emperor
After leaving Gortys, we stop in the small village of Ayioi Deka, at the eastern edge of the ancient city. This village is important to all Orthodox Christians on the island, because it was here that early supporters of the Cretan church were martyred. Christianity spread across Crete mainly due to the earlier work of [Read More]
Gortys – A City for the Ages
To avoid the heat, we begin our journey to Gortys very early. There are several winding country roads through the mountains. However, the best route is from Iraklio to the highway that leads directly to the south coast. Despite driving the mountain pass behind a large truck hauling construction equipment, we arrive in Gortys before [Read More]
Innovations in ancient Dreros
Often on our return from archaeological sites in eastern Crete, we stop in the city of Neapoli to enjoy a cold frappe at one of the little cafes around the city square. On this occasion, we decide to drive out to the excavation of Dreros (now called Driros), just a few kilometers outside Neapoli. The [Read More]
Evolution of a Village
For the past five years, the village of Koutouloufari has been our home away from home whenever we are visiting Crete. While very familiar to us, it is also something of a mystery. So we decide to learn more about it. Koutouloufari on the lower slope of Mt. Harakas, above Limin Hersonossou According to local [Read More]
Unconquerable Lato
While visiting the highland village of Kritsa, we decide to explore the fortress city of Lato, just a few kilometers away. In the late 19th century, a famous archaeologist examined its “cyclopean” walls (built with huge stones that only a giant Cyclops could have lifted) and declared Lato a Mycenaean city. That misguided assertion [Read More]
