Archaeologists excavating on the Greek island of Crete have unearthed a monumental 4,000-year-old circular stone architectural complex belonging to the Minoan civilization, a discovery described by researchers as entirely unique in prehistoric Aegean archaeology.
The extraordinary structure was uncovered atop Papoura Hill northwest of the town of Kastelli, at an elevation of 494 meters. Excavations were initiated as part of archaeological survey work preceding the construction of the new Heraklion International Airport, which had planned to install a major flight surveillance radar station precisely on the summit.
An Unprecedented Labyrinthine Architectural Marvel
Spanning approximately 48 meters (157 feet) in diameter and covering an area of nearly 1,800 square meters, the labyrinthine monument consists of eight concentric stone rings built at stepped elevations. Radial stone walls intersect the rings, dividing the complex into smaller interconnected chambers that surround a central circular stone core.
Dating between 2000 and 1700 BCE—corresponding to the Middle Minoan protopalatial period—the site predates the pinnacle of famed palace complexes such as Knossos and Phaistos. Preliminary analysis of excavated soil layers revealed massive quantities of butchered animal bones, wine cups, and fine ceremonial pottery.
“This is a completely unique monument with no known direct architectural parallels in the entire Minoan world. It was evidently a communal landmark used for periodic religious rituals and feastings rather than everyday habitation.”
Ritual Sanctuary Discovery Halts Airport Infrastructure
The abundance of faunal remains alongside ritual drinking vessels led archaeologists to conclude that the monument functioned as an open-air sacred sanctuary where regional populations gathered for cyclical ceremonies, communal consumption, and animal offerings overlooking the fertile plain of Pediada.
Recognizing the monument's immense historical and architectural value, the Hellenic Ministry of Culture announced an immediate agreement with civil aviation authorities to relocate the airport's radar station to an alternative hill. Archaeologists will continue systematic conservation to ensure the 4,000-year-old sanctuary is protected and made accessible to future scholarship.
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