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The Armeni Minoan necropolis is located 9km south of the town of Rethymnon, on the main road leading to the south coast of Crete. This significant Late Minoan III A-B (c. 1400-1200 BC) cemetery was found on a shallow hill called Prinokefalo, which translates to “hill of the wild oaks.”
Systematic excavations began in 1969, and by 2012, 231 tombs, including one tholos (domed grave), had been uncovered. A unique feature of the Armeni necropolis is that it initially had an overall plan, with specific areas designated for wealthy noblemen and the less fortunate. However, this plan was abandoned during the Late Minoan III B Period (1300-1200 BC), resulting in a mix of large and small tombs throughout the cemetery.
All the tombs were carved into the rock and consisted of a corridor and a chamber. The corridor was either a staircase or a ramp. Some tombs were left incomplete, with only a corridor and no burial chamber. The more affluent tombs had tombstones of varying sizes, with eleven found away from their original locations.
Each tomb likely represented a family group. Osteological (bone) analysis revealed that the average age at death for adult males and females was approximately 31 and 28 years, respectively. Most female deaths occurred between the ages of 20 and 25, likely due to the dangers of childbirth. Chemical analysis of bones indicated that the people buried at Armeni did not consume marine food, but their diet generally consisted of a fair amount of animal protein and plants. They suffered from various infectious and nutritional/metabolic diseases, as well as dental caries.
The primary discoveries in the tombs included clay larnakes, finely decorated pottery, bronze arms, utensils and ornaments, sealstones, and necklaces made from semi-precious stones. Among the most notable finds were a boar’s tusk helmet, a basket made of reeds and adorned with small bronze pins, a steatite pendant with Linear A script, and a stirrup jar with Linear B script (mentioning the name wi-na-jo).
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Find below the list of hotels near Armeni Necropolis:
Set in Arménoi and only 9.2 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Sun Angelo luxury apartment in Paradise 1 offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The apartment is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and garden at the apartment.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 32 km from Sun Angelo luxury apartment in Paradise 1, while Psiloritis National Park is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 74 km from the accommodation.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, mountain view and a balcony, Three Moirai Villa is located in Arménoi. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
Featuring a PS4, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 4 bedrooms, and 5 bathrooms with a bath and a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The villa offers a barbecue. If you would like to discover the area, cycling is possible in the surroundings and Three Moirai Villa can arrange a car rental service.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 10 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 33 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 77 km from Three Moirai Villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€218
/night
Featuring mountain views, Superb villa, with amazing seaviews & huge pool! provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 7.2 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is equipped with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a children’s playground. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Superb villa, with amazing seaviews & huge pool!, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 30 km from the accommodation, while Municipal Garden is 7 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 72 km from Superb villa, with amazing seaviews & huge pool!, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€48
/night
Set in Kástellos, 10 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and 33 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, castellos house offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. This apartment is 10 km from Venetian Harbour and 10 km from Centre of Byzantine Art.
The apartment has a terrace, 1 bedroom, a living room and a well-equipped kitchen. A flat-screen TV is offered.
Psiloritis National Park is 46 km from the apartment, while Municipal Garden is 10 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 74 km from castellos house.
Dryades Villa is a traditional property located in Armenoi offering split-level accommodation with a charming, stone-paved courtyard and a private swimming pool. Free WiFi access is available throughout.
Featuring separate bedrooms and living rooms, Villa Dryades has a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, fireplace and 2 bathrooms. Facilities include a TV, DVD player, dishwasher, washing machine and hairdryer. Grocery delivery service is also available.
The exterior of the villa features shaded seating areas, BBQ facilities, a dining table for 8 and 2 traditional ovens. Free private, on-site parking is possible.
Within 100 metres, you will find shops, Cretan taverns and cafes. The nearest beach is 8 km away and Heraklion International Airport is located at a distance of 65 km.
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, mountain view and a balcony, Art Villa Kastellos is situated in Kástellos. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
Boasting a Blu-ray player, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a toaster, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 4 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a hot tub. A flat-screen TV with streaming services and DVD player, as well as a CD player are available.
The villa offers a hot tub. If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling, hiking and walking tours are possible in the surroundings and Art Villa Kastellos can arrange a car rental service.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 10 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 33 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 74 km from Art Villa Kastellos, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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