*** ----> Greece finds ‘unique’ Minoan hilltop complex near new Crete airport | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Greece finds ‘unique’ Minoan hilltop complex near new Crete airport

AFP | Athens, Greece  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Greece’s culture ministry yesterday said archaeologists had discovered a “unique” monumental Minoan building atop a hill on Crete overlooking the island’s planned new international airport.

The ministry in a statement said the building had been found on a hill at Kasteli, nearly 500 metres (1640 feet) high, that was previously earmarked for the new airport radar.

“It is a unique discovery of particular interest,” Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said, with the ministry statement adding that it is the “first of its kind” found on Crete.

The circular stone building, about 1,800 square metres (19,300 square feet) in size, contains eight “nearly labyrinthine” rings connected via small openings, it said.

The intended use of the complex is still unknown, and may have served a ritual purpose, but saw its main activity between 3,700 and 4,000 years ago, the ministry said.