Positioned down the coastline of western Crete is Aptera, it dominates from 200 metres above among the Mediterranean's largest purely natural harbours, Souda bay, the massive purely natural bay has two Minoan harbours Kissamos and Minoa which is now also known as Marathi and Kissamos is to be found near Kalyves.
In the Hellenistic years of 3-4 BC Aptera was at it's peak, as an independent city state, Aptera minted it's own currency containing of up to 76 different types of coin.
Aptera had influences in foreign affairs together with its which it governed well.
Aptera's army of skilled archers was well-known. As mercenaries they fought overseas, bringing back riches and wealth to their home state.
In the Crete civil war within the 2nd and 3rd century, Aptera took the side of Knossos and fought against Gortyn.
The name Aptera has two theories for the origin.
1.A musical contest between the sirens and also the muses is but one theory.
The sirens were cast wingless into the sea; the muses were the victor's. It is actually declared that this course of action created the islands of Lefkae (white islands). In Greek wingless roughly means apterae,
The location where the St. John`s church is now, The temple constructed in honour of the Muses once stood.
2. Some say Aptera gets it's name using the ancient Minoan king 'Apteron'. He was the founder of that city and consequently the earliest ruler.
In 67BC, The Romans took occupation of Aptera, giving rise to a new peak during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD.
Earthquakes started the demise of Aptera in 364/365 AD and following on from the earthquake of 700BC, Aptera was abandoned as a city.
Since 1182 a tiny monastery set up on the site, and was occupied right up to 1964.
Paleokastro, A small settlement on the site of Aptera was destroyed by Barbarians in 1588. In 1866 A Turkish fort was built, the Turk's used material belonging to the Aptera site to make the Itzedin fortress at Kalamni.
Dating back to the Minoan era, Aptera happens to be the most important archaeological sites on the island of Crete; aspects of the 4km long exterior wall fortifications can certainly still be seen.
Aptera was once a great city, it isn't hard to understand when you see the size and scale of Aptera and it's prominent position over Souda bay that it became a main centre of shipping, commerce and administration.
You will find stunning views out along the Apokoronas area, taking in the majestic White Mountains and Souda Bay, clearly visible around the Turkish fort.
There has been many archeological finds on the site of Aptera, these are visible in various museums in Crete as well as some in Istanbul, although lot's more are said to lay undiscovered?
The national road that runs across the island affords easy access at the site of Aptera with easy parking, and for miles around you can view the Turkish fort sitting on the headland.
Because Aptera isn't as fully excavated as Knossos, you find as a quieter place to visit, it will have maybe an eerie atmosphere within the dramatic setting with views that are awesome!
Try Aptera its really worth a visit.
In the Hellenistic years of 3-4 BC Aptera was at it's peak, as an independent city state, Aptera minted it's own currency containing of up to 76 different types of coin.
Aptera had influences in foreign affairs together with its which it governed well.
Aptera's army of skilled archers was well-known. As mercenaries they fought overseas, bringing back riches and wealth to their home state.
In the Crete civil war within the 2nd and 3rd century, Aptera took the side of Knossos and fought against Gortyn.
The name Aptera has two theories for the origin.
1.A musical contest between the sirens and also the muses is but one theory.
The sirens were cast wingless into the sea; the muses were the victor's. It is actually declared that this course of action created the islands of Lefkae (white islands). In Greek wingless roughly means apterae,
The location where the St. John`s church is now, The temple constructed in honour of the Muses once stood.
2. Some say Aptera gets it's name using the ancient Minoan king 'Apteron'. He was the founder of that city and consequently the earliest ruler.
In 67BC, The Romans took occupation of Aptera, giving rise to a new peak during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD.
Earthquakes started the demise of Aptera in 364/365 AD and following on from the earthquake of 700BC, Aptera was abandoned as a city.
Since 1182 a tiny monastery set up on the site, and was occupied right up to 1964.
Paleokastro, A small settlement on the site of Aptera was destroyed by Barbarians in 1588. In 1866 A Turkish fort was built, the Turk's used material belonging to the Aptera site to make the Itzedin fortress at Kalamni.
Dating back to the Minoan era, Aptera happens to be the most important archaeological sites on the island of Crete; aspects of the 4km long exterior wall fortifications can certainly still be seen.
Aptera was once a great city, it isn't hard to understand when you see the size and scale of Aptera and it's prominent position over Souda bay that it became a main centre of shipping, commerce and administration.
You will find stunning views out along the Apokoronas area, taking in the majestic White Mountains and Souda Bay, clearly visible around the Turkish fort.
There has been many archeological finds on the site of Aptera, these are visible in various museums in Crete as well as some in Istanbul, although lot's more are said to lay undiscovered?
The national road that runs across the island affords easy access at the site of Aptera with easy parking, and for miles around you can view the Turkish fort sitting on the headland.
Because Aptera isn't as fully excavated as Knossos, you find as a quieter place to visit, it will have maybe an eerie atmosphere within the dramatic setting with views that are awesome!
Try Aptera its really worth a visit.