CHOIROMANDRES - Minoan Roads Research Programme - 2003

S. Chrysoulaki (ΚΔ’ ΕΠΚΑ) reports on the excavation of structures on the flat ground to the south of the guardhouse. Work focused on the round building (the ‘tower’), which is round on the outside but hexagonal within. This was dated to the Minoan period on the basis of its construction, although very little pottery was found.

The stratigraphy of the area between the guardhouse and northern terrace was studied. The ramp dates to Middle Minoan IIB, the level of discarded pottery to Middle Minoan IIIB and the fill of the terrace to Late Minoan IA. Sherds from the same pots were found in layers underlying different rooms within the building. Pottery from the slope of the hill west of the building dated to the Protopalatial period, contemporary with figurines from the same area. These coexisted with pebbles and burnt stones which are regarded as consistent with a sanctuary.