Karfi, Lasithi - 2024

Karfi - Lasithi, Crete. Krzysztof Nowicki and Saro Wallace from the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw report on the continuation of excavations at Karfi in Lasithi, under the auspices of the Polist Archaeological Institute at Athens.

The 2024 excavation at Karfi, Lasithi, Crete, focused on three areas (A, B and MG1), investigating the Late Minoan IIIC settlement (c. 1200–1050 BC), earlier Middle Minoan activity (c. 1800–1700 BC), and evidence of later reuse. (Fig. 1) In Area A, the excavation exposed the entire main room of Building A1, measuring approximately 8 × 6m, and identified its principal external entrance and remains of a central clay hearth. Ash and charcoal were present throughout the floor deposits. Beneath the Late Minoan IIIC floor, excavators found Middle Minoan pottery, animal bones, burnt soil and ash over bedrock. Architectural remains potentially dating to the Middle Minoan period were also identified. Evidence suggests Building A1 was distinct from domestic houses and was abandoned around 1100–1050 BC. In Area B, excavation of House B2 revealed additional architectural features indicating further rooms to the east and possibly other connected structures. (Fig. 2) Burnt clay fragments, likely associated with wall plastering, were found along the walls. Earlier architectural remains beneath the Late Minoan IIIC building provided further evidence of Middle Minoan activity at the site. In Area MG1, excavations confirmed extensive and complex architecture across the northern summit of Megali Koprana. Work included investigating hearths, clearing storerooms and identifying a third structure, potentially an elite dwelling. Finds from the Geometric period (c. 800–700 BC), including cooking pots and cups, indicate later reuse of the settlement. (Fig. 3)