CHOIROMANDRES - Minoan Roads Research Programme - 2002

S. Chrysoulaki (ΚΔ’ ΕΠΚΑ) reports on continuing work. Excavation within the building clarified its internal arrangement. In all areas the stratum below the first habitation phase yielded Protopalatial pottery. Excavation of the east wall revealed an entrance leading into the north-east part of space V (a semi-basement area). It may have been the footing for a staircase, with a small interior supporting wall. The entrance was closed at the end of the first phase and the floor level raised to that of neighbouring rooms. Excavation in the south part of space VI revealed a clay weight with a hieroglyphic seal impression.

The lowest stratum in the area between the building and the north terrace contained only Protopalatial pottery. The surface of this layer formed a ramp which led to the entrance of the north terrace. A rock was incorporated into this ramp with a set of carefully built steps. Above the ramp was a layer with much domestic pottery (partially excavated in 2001) on which sat the walls of the terrace to the east of the north terrace. Finally, the upper layer consisted of debris from the building’s collapse.

Excavation of the peribolos wall at the western edge of the plateau continued. This wall, which contained blocks sometimes described as cyclopean was erected in the Neopalatial period. A circular building at the end of it was partially cleared.