As per the latest development, a monumental ancient structure has been unearthed in the Greek island of Crete, a popular tourist hot spot in Greece. If reports are to go by, this discovery will likely halt the construction of a new airport.
As regarding the structure, it dates back to the Minoan civilisation, which was primarily in use between 2000 and 1700 BCE, thereby coinciding with the era when Crete’s iconic palaces at Knossos and Phaistos were constructed, reports suggest.
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Despite its significance, the purpose of this building remains a mystery, sparking considerable archaeological interest and speculation. Described by experts that the structure resembles ‘a huge car wheel from above,’ the structure has a diameter of 157 ft and covers an area of 19,000 sq ft.
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With regard to this, the Greek Ministry of Culture released a statement stating certain features of the structure bear similarities to Minoan tombs, such as its circular stone rings and intricate design. However, the discovery of numerous ancient animal bones nearby complicates researchers’ understanding of the site.
The Ministry’s statement suggests that the structure may have been periodically used for ritual ceremonies involving food, wine, and possibly offerings. As archaeologists continue to excavate and study this site atop Papoura Hill near Kastelli, they are facing challenges due to its proposed future use as a radar station for Crete’s new international airport.
Scheduled to open in 2027, this airport will serve Heraklion, Crete’s capital and largest city, as well as numerous cultural and archaeological sites across the island. If reports are to go by, the airport is expected to handle 18 million passengers annually, reflecting the demand for modern infrastructure to support tourism to Crete’s well-preserved historical sites.
However, the influx of tourists sometimes threatens the integrity of these ancient sites, prompting protective measures, such as limiting visitor numbers to the Acropolis in Athens.
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Excavations in the area have revealed at least 35 other archaeological sites, highlighting the challenge Greek authorities face in balancing development with heritage preservation as they build the new airport and its connecting road network.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni describes the structure as a unique and highly significant find. She indicates that the Greek Government and airport officials will explore alternative locations for the radar station to ensure the preservation of this archaeological site. “It’s possible to go ahead with the airport while granting the antiquities the protection they deserve,” Mendoni says. Her comments inspire hope that Crete’s rich past, vibrant present, and promising future can be harmoniously reconciled.
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