Excavations being carried out at the top of Papoura Hill, at an altitude of 494 meters, have uncovered a monumental circular architectural complex that is already considered unique in Minoan archaeology. With a diameter of about 48 meters and an area of about 1,800 m², it is located at the highest point of the hill, in a part of the summit that had been expropriated for the installation of surveillance systems (radar) for the new Heraklion airport, the capital of the Greek island of Crete.
This monumental structure consists of 8 superimposed stone rings—averaging 1.40 meters thick, with a maximum estimated height of the surviving walls of 1.7 meters—developed at different altitude levels. The rings form a circular building (Zone A) 15 meters in diameter at the center, with a structure whose interior (9 meters in diameter) is divided into 4 quadrants.
Zone A is surrounded by a second main zone (Zone B, 6.9 meters wide), where radial walls intersect vertically with the rings of the lower levels, forming smaller spaces. As the excavation progresses, an almost labyrinthine structure is revealed, as the spaces communicate with each other through narrow openings. Two possible main entrances to the central areas were discovered on the southwest and northwest sides.
The main period of use seems to have been between 2000-1700 BCE, meaning it was probably founded shortly before or at the beginning of the Middle Minoan period (MMI – II), while the presence of pottery in the destruction layer indicates that the use of the monument continued during the period of the second palaces (Neopalatial, 1700-1400 BCE).
In order to assess the find and plan the continuation of the airport construction project, a broad meeting was held at the construction site and an analysis on the hill with the participation of all involved parties under the direction of the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, and the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Nikos Tahiaos. During the meeting, the minister made it very clear that the excavation of the find must continue, so that archaeologists can interpret it, and of course, it must be preserved given its uniqueness.
As the Minister of Culture emphasized, obviously the airport construction work must continue unhindered, but the find must also be protected. Therefore, another suitable location for the radar is being sought. The two ministers agreed that in the near future the Civil Aviation Authority will prepare and present a new study on the location of the radar to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
At the end of the analysis, the Minister of Culture declared the following: This is a unique find of exceptional interest. We maintain an extremely good cooperation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and with the responsible Deputy Minister, Nikos Tachias. We have completed a broad meeting with all involved parties—the competent Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion and the competent Directorates of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities and Restoration of Ancient Monuments of the Ministry of Culture, and the competent services of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Civil Aviation, and the contractor—and we have conducted a joint analysis at the archaeological site. Our priority is the protection of the monument, this unique find. We all understand the importance and value of cultural heritage. We all understand the magnitude of the development of this specific project, which is being carried out in Kastelli. The new airport project can proceed and the antiquities can be protected, as it should be.
Since the excavation is still ongoing, it is not currently possible to determine the original shape or total height of the structure. The cover of the central area, as indicated by the construction system, was probably conical or vaulted.
The two zones A and B formed by the upper rings seem to be the main focus of activity. The quantity and type of finds, as well as the presence of a large amount of animal bones, do not indicate—so far—permanent residential use, but rather periodic use in the form of rituals, possibly involving the consumption of food, wine, and perhaps offerings.
This is the first monument of its kind found and excavated in Crete. Its size, architectural structure, and elaborate construction imply considerable work, specialized expertise, and a strong central administration that organized its construction. What is certain is that it is a communal building of some sort, a landmark for the wider Pedialis region. The fact that the structure is monumental and prominent probably indicates the importance of the site and the extent of the population it would have served.
The layout of the monument and the structure of the zones and spaces as revealed so far, and the entire construction, are not exactly parallel to other buildings of the same period in Crete, although the form is not unknown in Early Bronze Age architectural complexes in the Near East.
Perhaps a parallel can be drawn with the elliptical building of Chamezion, as well as the so-called Cyclopean circular building of Tiryns from the early Helladic period. However, there are also constructive similarities with the so-called vaulted tombs of the prepalatial period of southern Crete, where the central area was raised with reflective construction, while the entire construction refers to early Helladic tumuli, but also to later tumuli of mainland Greece or later circular sanctuaries.
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