‘Unique’ Archeological Discovery May Delay Construction of New Airport

An archeological discovery in Crete has experts puzzled and could potentially obstruct the construction of a new major airport. The discovery of a round stone building on the site where a radar station for the new airport was meant to be built has led to questions about its original purpose. The Greek Culture Ministry stated that the building may have been used for ritual ceremonies involving food, wine, and offerings. Despite this intriguing find, it has been determined that the airport construction will proceed as planned. Greece’s Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni, has assured that the discovery will be preserved, and an alternative location will be found for the radar station. The new airport is set to open in 2027 and is expected to become Greece’s second-largest, handling up to 18 million tourists annually.

The Greek Culture Ministry has deemed the archeological discovery at the new airport site as unique and extremely interesting. This structure from Crete’s Minoan civilization has puzzled experts due to its size, architectural layout, and intricate construction that would have required specialized knowledge and labor. The building, which was mainly used between 2000-1700 B.C., is believed to have been a communal structure that played a significant role in the community. The inner structure of the building, surrounded by stepped stone walls, contained smaller interconnected spaces and may have had a shallow conical roof. Although the purpose of the building is still under investigation, experts speculate that it may have been used for religious or ritualistic activities due to the presence of animal bones.

Despite the importance of preserving cultural heritage, the Greek Culture Minister, who is herself an archaeologist, emphasized the growth potential of the new airport project. Lina Mendoni underscored the significance of protecting antiquities while moving forward with the airport construction. The discovery of the round stone building does not impede the progress of the airport, which is designed to replace Greece’s current second-largest airport at Heraklion. With 35 archeological finds already unearthed at the construction site of the new airport in Crete, this discovery adds to the rich history and cultural significance of the region.

The newfound building, resembling a large car wheel from above, offers insights into the Minoan civilization known for its opulent palaces, art, and mysterious writing system. The structure, measured at 1,800 square meters, is currently being excavated, and archaeologists are intrigued by its unique features that have no known parallels in Minoan architecture. The building’s intricate design and careful construction suggest that it served a significant communal function, potentially related to rituals or religious practices. The discovery has shed light on the sophisticated architectural knowledge and central administration of the Minoan society during the building’s use between 2000-1700 B.C.

Noteworthy is the fact that the new airport under construction near the town of Kastelli has revealed numerous archaeological sites, indicating the rich history of the region. Despite past instances where historic sites were discovered during construction, such as the hilltop fortified settlement from the 3rd millennium B.C. unearthed near Athens International Airport, the Greek authorities are committed to preserving these findings. The mysterious round stone building found at the new airport site in Crete adds to the already rich tapestry of historical treasures in the area. While the original purpose of the building remains unclear, experts are fascinated by its unique architecture and potential religious or ritual significance. The construction of the new airport in Crete is set to be a blend of modernity and ancient heritage, showcasing the importance of preserving cultural treasures while embracing progress and development.