Archaeologists uncover 1,500-year-old mausoleum at Metropolis basilica in Messara, Crete
An archaeological mission from SAIA and the University of Bologna, working with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion, has uncovered a mausoleum with multiple burials dating back roughly 1,500 years during excavations at the basilica of Metropolis in Messara, Crete.
The team carried out excavation work across three sections of the basilica, bringing to light new evidence for the site’s long history, which spans from the 3rd to the 8th century AD.
The most notable finds came from Trench 1, north of the presbytery, where archaeologists uncovered the mausoleum along with an adjacent space with a terracotta floor. They also identified an older conduit that may be connected to the episcopal baptistery, according to the mission.
Trench 2 examined a hall with marble bands north of the narthex, while Trench 3 focused on the southern part of the transept. Together, the three areas document successive phases of construction, conversion and reuse of the basilica’s buildings over several centuries, the mission said.
Six students from the University of Bologna took part in the fieldwork alongside instructors and researchers, gaining hands-on experience in archaeological excavation — the kind of hands-on experiences in Crete that connect visitors and students with the island’s layered past. An open day held on September 25 drew about fifty visitors, including the Metropolitan of Gortyna and Arkadia, Makarios Doulloufakis, whom the mission thanked for his ongoing interest and support.
The mission also acknowledged the contributions of Dr Nikos Vasilakis, Georgios Chaniotakis and the Municipality of Agioi Deka, among others who assisted with the work.
With this year’s fieldwork complete, the research is expected to continue. In the coming months, the results of research conducted at the Metropolis site between 1991 and 2006 are due to be published, a step the mission described as an important contribution for the scientific community studying this part of the historic places in Crete.
