The labyrinth was discovered at the highest point of Papoura Hill in Crete and was probably some kind of “community building.”
Greek Ministry of CultureArchaeologists suspect that the structure was used between 2000 and 1700 B.C.E.
Hellenic mythology tell apart the narrative of the Minotaur , a terrible creature imprisoned in a labyrinth in Crete . The story is presumed to be fictional — but archeologist in Crete just discover an ancient labyrinthian anatomical structure that they conceive was used for ritual 1000 of years ago .
The surprise discovery extend a peep into the Minoan civilization , which remain something of a mystery to researchers today .
Greek Ministry of CultureArchaeologists suspect that the structure was used between 2000 and 1700 B.C.E.
A ‘Unique Find’: Discovering The Labyrinth
According to a press passing from theGreek Ministry of Culture , the structure was first detected forward of the construction of a microwave radar system for a new airdrome . To the surprisal of all necessitate , excavation on Papoura Hill — which has an ALT of approximately 1,600 feet — revealed the labyrinth .
The “ monumental ” anatomical structure consists of eight stone pack which are about five understructure tall and skirt a circular construction with a diameter of about 50 groundwork , which is carve up into four zone .
Greek Ministry of CultureThe maze in Crete as seen from above .
Greek Ministry of CultureThe labyrinth in Crete as seen from above.
“ As the mining progresses , an almost labyrinthine social organisation is revealed , as the spaces put across with each other through narrow-minded openings , ” the press release bill . “ Two potential main entering to the central zona were unwrap on the [ southwest ] and [ northwest ] sides . ”
Archaeologists believe that the bodily structure was used between 2000 and 1700 B.C.E. , placing it well within the timeline of theMinoan civilization , which lasted from 3000 B.C.E. to roughly 1450 B.C.E. So , what exactly was this labyrinth social organisation used for — assuming it was n’t to gaol theMinotaur ?
The Purpose Of The Labyrinth In Crete
As the press release notes , many questions still remain about the labyrinthine structure . For now , it ’s not potential to regulate its “ original sort ” or “ total superlative . ” However , researchers do have some guesses about how Minoan people might have used the labyrinth thousands of years ago .
Other discovery at the land site , such as a magnanimous quantity of animal bones , suggest that the maze was not inhabited as a “ lasting residential ” structure . Rather , it was likely used sporadically for ritual that may have involved “ the use of goods and services of solid food , wine , and perhaps offerings . ”
Greek Ministry of CultureLina Mendoni , the Greek Minister of Culture , essay the situation with others .
Greek Ministry of CultureLina Mendoni, the Greek Minister of Culture, examining the site with others.
But whatever it was used for , the layout of the inner ear has strike researchers as rather singular .
“ [ T]he whole construction does not have an precise line of latitude with other buildings of the same period in Crete , although as a shape it is not strange to us from architectural ensemble of the other Bronze Age in [ the ] Middle East , ” the pressure release explain . It bestow : “ morphological similarities , however , can also be found with the so - called domed tombs of the pre - palatial and palaeo - palatial catamenia of southern Crete . ”
As such , the inner ear continue something of a mystery story . However , it supply new clues about the mysterious Minoan mass . Though archaeologists have documented plenty of their pottery , nontextual matter , and jewellery , their independent spoken language has never been decipher .
Jebulon/Wikimedia CommonsA bull fresco from the Minoan civilization, dating back to between 1600 and 1450 B.C.E.
Jebulon / Wikimedia CommonsA fuzz fresco from the Minoan civilization , go out back to between 1600 and 1450 B.C.E.
In hopes of learning more , archaeologists next plan to carry on their dig of the labyrinth web site . Regardless of what they find , it ’s assured that the maze will resist as a substantial discovery .
“ The completion of the excavation inquiry is consider necessary , in Holy Order to clarify the character of the memorial and its kinship with the residential and spiritual centers of the same period in the area of the Plain , ” the closet release explained . “ The monumentality of the social organization , as well as the fact that nothing like it has been dig until now , make it a landmark of the new Heraklion Airport . ”
After read about the labyrinth structure find in Crete , discover the story ofMedusa , the Gorgon monster from Greek legend who could kill a world with a single coup d’oeil . Or , go inside the Greek myth ofHades and Persephone .
