CHOIROMANDRES - Minoan Roads Research Programme - 2001

S. Chrysoulaki (ΚΔ’ ΕΠΚΑ) reports on continuing excavation. Space III was completely excavated and the Neopalatial paving found to rest on a fill with a terminus post quem of Middle Minoan III-Late Minoan IA, which contained a clay pendant in the shape of a bull’s head. The sequence is said to be the same as that in neighbouring areas. Exploration under the floor of the first habitation phase in the south-east part of space IV yielded a complete MMIB-IIA cup. Excavation in space V reached the first habitation phase, which yielded three whole vases (a cup and two amphorae) of the so called ‘city of Malia’ group. The layer underneath the first habitation phase contained whole MMIB-IIA and MMIIB-IIIA pots, which is interpreted as dating the first phase of construction to an early phase of MM IIB. The excavators suggest that the west wing was a later addition.

Excavation on the north terrace confirmed a Protopalatial construction date. Further east, walls delineated another irregularly shaped terrace which contained a large amount of pottery dumped from the first habitation phase.

Features in the surrounding area were cleared and planned. A trench near a supporting wall at the base of the slope produced Protopalatial figurines which are taken to suggest the existence of a sanctuary pre-dating the guardhouse.

Study of pottery from the layer of ashy soil that sealed the top of the LM IB activity identified cups with LMIIIA or early LMIIIB characteristics. The excavators suggest the burnt layer indicates the existence of an open air shrine in that period.