Makry Gialos - Archaeological Site

Archaeological Site

Makry Gialos features the archaeological site of an ancient Minoan country house. The site is located to the west of the village. Some of the artifacts which have been excavated can be found in the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos. The site was first excavated in 1973 and 1977 by Costas Davaras. The villa in Makriyialos was in use during Late Minoan IB, and evidence indicates that it may have been used exclusively during this period. The building has a central court on the north-south axis. The area of the court is 6m x 12.5m, which is exactly four times smaller than the courts of the Minoan palaces at Phaistos, Malia, Knossos and Zakros.

Suggestions that the building was a "cult villa," similar to those of Nirou, Amnisos, Kannia and Vathypetro have not been proven. The finds at Makriyialos site were not as rich as those at the other cult villa sites but it is believed that they nevertheless support a view that the building is a "cult villa". The building itself, which was badly damaged by crops and livestock, dates to around 500-1400 BC. The house has unique architecture and bears some resemblance to Minoan palaces seen at that time. The house contains a central small rectangular court, contributing to the building's uniqueness.

Two columns on the north side and northern east side strike similarities to Malia, where alternating pillars are found at exactly the same side. The site of Phaistos also denotes two columnar supports on the north and northern east side as well. A large altar can be found in the northern end of the court. In Zakros, we also see a similar placement of the altar. Facing the altar is the large bench which was almost certainly used in the ceremonies that took place in the court. Such benches have also been found at Malia and Phaistos.