Archaeological site of Gournia, Crete
The site of this ancient city is located approximately 19
kilometres from Agios Nikolaos. It flourished during the Late
Minoan Period from 1600 - 1400 BC and began to decline around
1450 due to a large fire which destroyed much of the city. The
name of the city is thought to have derived from the Greek word
gournes which were ancient cisterns adjacent to every house to
feed livestock. Excavations began at the beginning of the 20th
century and a palace, the residence of the local administrator,
a market and the foundations of stone houses and paved roads
were uncovered. Many artefacts were also brought to light
including household tools and utensils as well as items used in
religious ceremonies. The former finds give a picture of the
daily life of these ancient people who seem to have been
occupied with stockbreeding, carpentry and fishing.
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