The handling of a unique Minoan archaeological discovery, unearthed last year in Kastelli, Crete, where the new airport is under construction, has sparked strong reactions from archaeologists and residents.
According to them, the unique archaeological site is at imminent risk of being lost due to ongoing construction for the new Heraklion airport, which includes the installation of radar systems and antennas. The airport is expected to become operational by 2027 and it is projected to handle around 18 million passengers annually.
The Discovery
About a year ago, archaeologists discovered a unique Minoan structure in Kastelli, Crete, an unprecedented find in the field of Minoan archaeology. The massive circular complex measures approximately 48 meters (157 feet) in diameter and spans around 1,800 square meters (19,375 square feet).
The monument stands at the highest point of Papoura Hill, at an elevation of nearly 500 meters (1,640 feet). It was uncovered during radar installation work for the new airport currently under construction on Crete.
The primary period of use appears to have been between 2000 and 1700 BC, while the presence of pottery indicates that the monument’s use continued in later times.
The structure consists of concentric rings that form a circle about 15 meters (49 feet) in diameter. Within this circle, an inner area measuring 9 meters (30 feet) across is divided into four sections.
Statement by the Greek Minister of Culture
Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni’s statement has sparked a renewed debate.
As she said, “Only in Greece could a modern radar installation occupy the same location where, millennia ago, a building stood that may have served a similar purpose.”
“There is no delay, other than the fact that the find must be properly highlighted. Studies have been carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Civil Aviation. We are in constant cooperation and within the next 2-3 weeks the issue will be brought before the Central Archaeological Council.”, she said.
“No radar is needed on Papoura Hill.”
The aforementioned statement by the Minister of Culture prompted a response from the Association of Emergency Archaeologists, with its president, Dimitris Koufovasilis, stating to the Greek media outlet Reader.gr that the Association has been in opposition to the construction of the airport since 2018, as it believed that “it would harm society, damage the natural environment, and potentially endanger antiquities to serve major economic interests.”
He further explained, “There is no convincing justification for placing the radar on Papoura Hill,” expressing disagreement with the Minister of Culture. According to him, the Minister has adopted the interpretation of the Fryktoria and made what they consider an unscientific claim. The Minister argues that this supposed correlation legitimizes the Ministry of Culture and Infrastructure’s plans to install a modern radar system just 20 meters (66 feet) from the ancient Minoan structure.
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