Ancient Aptera
Positioned down the shoreline of western Crete is Aptera, it dominates from 200 metres above among the Mediterranean’s biggest purely natural harbours, Souda bay, the massive purely natural bay has two Minoan harbours Kissamos and Minoa and that is now named Marathi and Kissamos is to be found near Kalyves.
In the Hellenistic years of 3-4 BC Aptera was at its peak, as an independent city state, Aptera minted its own currency containing of up to 76 different types of coin.
Aptera had affects in foreign affairs in addition to its own which it governed well.
Aptera’s army of skilled archers was renowned. As mercenaries they fought overseas, bringing back riches and wealth for their home state. Whilst in Crete civil war in 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 the muses is one theory. The sirens were cast wingless in to the sea; the muses were the victor’s. Its declared that this course of action formed the islands of Lefkae (white islands). In Greek wingless roughly translates to apterae. The location where the St. John`s church has become, The temple built in honour for the Muses once stood.
2. Some say Aptera gets its name using the ancient Minoan king ‘Apteron’. He was the founder for the city and therefore the initial ruler.
In 67BC, The Romans took occupation of Aptera, giving rise to a new peak in 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 little monastery developed on the site, and was occupied right up to 1964. Paleokastro, A little settlement on the site of Aptera was destroyed by Barbarians in 1588. In 1866 A Turkish fort was built, the Turk’s used material within the Aptera site to make the Itzedin fortress at Kalamni.
Dating back to the Minoan era, Aptera is now the most important archaeological sites relating to the island of Crete; elements of the 4km long exterior wall fortifications can easily still be seen.
Aptera was once a great city, it is not hard to believe from the size and scale of Aptera and its prominent position over Souda bay that it became a main centre of shipping, commerce and administration.
There is certainly stunning views out over the Apokoronas area,taking in the majestic White Mountains and Souda Bay, clearly visible at the Turkish fort.
There has been many archeological finds on the site of Aptera, these can be seen in various museums in Crete plus some in Istanbul, although additional are believed to lay undiscovered?
The national road that runs across the island affords easy access of the site of Aptera with easy parking, and then for miles around you can see the Turkish fort sitting on the headland.
Because Aptera isn’t as fully excavated as Knossos, you discover as a quieter place to go to, it will have maybe an eerie atmosphere within the dramatic setting with views to die for!
Try Aptera its worthy of a visit.
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