Exclusive: the discovery of the unknown Minoan tomb in Ierapetra and its importance

The Late Minoan period tomb (1400-1200 BC), accidentally discovered during an emergency rescue excavation in Ierapetra, is deemed of significant archaeological value. Not only was it found unconcealed – a relatively rare occurrence – it was also carved on flat ground, not on a slope, as is typical. The discovery suggests a pottery workshop and a settlement, possibly a yet-to-be-discovered regional administrative centre, existed in the area.

While it is still premature to determine the age, sex, and social status of the deceased found in the two urns, the two skeletons and the pottery offerings (14 pseudo amphorae, an amphoroidal crater with a congenital substratum, and a cup in the first urn; 6 small pseudostone amphorae and two busts in the second, all intact and of good craftsmanship) should provide further insight into the tumultuous historical period preceding the final collapse of Minoan civilisation.

Although it is still too early to assess the age, sex and social status of the deceased found in the two urns, both the two skeletons and the clay grave goods should shed further light on the turbulent historical period before the final collapse of Minoan civilisation.

Chrysa Sofianou, Curator of Antiquities of Lassithi, who was among the first to enter the site “with great respect” after 3,500 years, shares her insights on the value of a discovery that further enriches the archaeological heritage of eastern Crete.

– How significant is the Ierapetra discovery and why?

The grave was found uncontained, which means all the burial elements and bones are intact, suitable for all types of analyses. The original positioning of the vessels and the two skeletons greatly aids the study of the burial method and customs of the period.

In a sealed burial, everything is unstained, so any remains don’t reveal much. For our team, beyond its archaeological significance, the discovery holds immense emotional value. We were the first to enter this site after so many centuries, which we did with great respect.

– I assume unattended Minoan tombs are rare.

Indeed, but that doesn’t mean such finds don’t exist. In various parts of Crete, untraceable tombs from this era have been unearthed. In our region, Lassithi, the most recent discovery was made in 1992 at the Gra Lygia site by Mrs. Apostolatou, the curator at the time who published the findings.

– Does the monument possess any unique characteristics?

Indeed, it does. It was discovered in a flat olive grove about 4 m below the surface, which is quite rare. Most carved graves of this kind are typically found on hillsides.

– Prior to the accidental discovery, were there any indications or suspicions that an archaeological treasure might be “hidden” at this location?

Nothing specific, but it’s worth noting that all of eastern Crete is rich in ancient monuments from various eras. We have ample evidence of a regional Minoan administrative centre in the area of Ierapetra. Our ongoing excavations on the island of Chrysi, a significant purple dye processing centre at the time, further support this. The settlement we’ve uncovered there would likely have been subordinate to a larger one nearby, which we believe was the administrative centre we’re seeking.

If we don’t unearth it, hopefully the next generation of archaeologists will! This research is being conducted in partnership with Professor Yannis Papadatos of the University of Athens and the Institute for the Study of the Prehistoric Aegean of Eastern Crete (INSTAP, a branch of the American School of Classical Studies) at Pachia Ammos.

– Is there any speculation about who the monument’s occupants might have been?

It’s still too early to draw any conclusions. If they were lords or high priests, we would expect to find jewelry, seal stones, and other symbols of power made from precious metals. If they were warriors, they would likely be “accompanied” by weapons. All of our finds here are made of clay, so we can’t definitively say this was a distinguished burial as we understand it. We also don’t yet know the social status, age, or even the gender of the tomb’s occupants and their relationship to each other – these are all subjects for future investigation.

– Given that it dates back to the late Minoan period, what were the defining characteristics of this era? In other words, what was the general state of Crete at that time?

The post-palatial period, following the destruction of the last great Minoan palace at Knossos, was a time of instability and turbulence. We don’t know much about the social structure of this era. There was no single administrative centre, but there were smaller peripheral ones. Logically, if there is a tomb, there should be a nearby settlement. Investigations will commence as soon as the necessary permits are issued by the Ministry.

– What work is currently underway, when can we expect more comprehensive conclusions about the findings, and how might this discovery be utilized in the future?

At present, the skeletons and artifacts are being preserved in the Conservation Laboratory of the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos. The intricate decoration of the larnaces and vessels, featuring motifs seen in other artifacts from the broader region, suggest the existence of a Minoan pottery workshop we are currently seeking. One of the urns depicts a chariot pulling an animal, guided by a human figure – a representation previously found at the site of Episkopi, now displayed in the Archaeological Collection of Ierapetra.

– What are the most significant excavations and studies currently taking place in eastern Crete, and what are the key archaeological sites within the jurisdiction of the Lassithi Antiquities Ephorate?

Major investigations are being conducted at the Roman theatre of Ierapetra and the aforementioned island of Chrysi, at ancient Dreros (in collaboration with our Ephorate under the direction of V. Zographakis and the French Archaeological School of Athens), in Anavlochos of Vrahasios by the French, in Azoria, Gournia and the island of Mochlos by the American School of Classical Studies, Bufo Sisios and Itano by the Belgian School of Archaeology, Palekastro by the British School of Archaeology, Kalo Chorio by the Irish Archaeological Institute, Petra by the Honorary Curator of Antiquities M. In Kato Zakros by the Archaeological Society, the “Minoan Roads” project in the wider area of Zakros, as well as the investigations at the site of Gaidourofas in Ierapetra (University of Athens) and at the Mochlou Loutres by the University of Thessaloniki.

Additionally, within the jurisdiction of the Lassithi Ephorate lie two of Greece’s most frequented archaeological sites, the Diktaion Andro and Spinalonga, along with two significant palaces, Zakros and Petra, two archaeological museums, and archaeological collections. It’s worth noting that due to the number and significance of these monuments, the workload is immense. Our staff, though small in number, makes extraordinary efforts, often sacrificing much of their personal and family time.

Hrysa Sofianou, originally from Kavala, studied ancient history and archaeology in Bologna, with a specialization in Roman epigraphy. She has been working in Crete since 1999.

In 2011, he was appointed as the Curator of Antiquities for Lassithi.

Among his many accomplishments, he has conducted excavations on the island of Chrysi (Gaidouronisi), the Hellenistic city site of Tripitos in Sitia, the sacred city of ancient Praissos, the Hellenistic-Roman cemetery of Kamara in Agios Nikolaos, the summit sanctuary of the Crucified in Anatoli Ierapetra, and the ancient Roman theatre of Ierapetra. The latter is considered his most significant work to date.