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At the location known as Anemospilia, situated on the northern slopes of Mount Jiouchtas, archaeologists Giannis and Efi Sakellarakis discovered a small Minoan-era sanctuary in 1979 that took the global archaeological community by surprise. This modest sanctuary provided the first evidence of human sacrifices in Minoan Crete.
The two-story structure was constructed in the 17th century BC and was later destroyed by an earthquake a few decades afterward. To date, four sites have been uncovered, but there could potentially be more.
In the temple’s first room, numerous utensils were discovered, including around 150 pots of various shapes. The main room was filled with the largest temple utensils, pots, and jars. The east room, where bloodless rituals occurred, contained many objects and a stepped altar on which all worship utensils were placed. The bloody sacrifices took place in the temple’s west room, which had fewer findings.
The most significant discovery of the excavation was the presence of four human skeletons. Scientific investigations revealed that three of them (including one woman) were killed by the collapsing roof and a simultaneous fire. They were likely two priests and a priestess. The fourth deceased individual was the most intriguing discovery, as he was found lying on a trapezoidal table with a short sword or spear in his body. According to anthropologists and forensic experts, this man was a victim of human sacrifice, and the scene was preserved for posterity due to the earthquake.
Get directions to Anemospilia sanctuary
Find below the list of hotels near Anemospilia sanctuary:
Set in Archanes, 9.4 km from The Palace of Knossos, Inotropes Boutique Suites – Adults Only offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. The property is situated 15 km from Venetian Walls, 16 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum and 27 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos. Offering free WiFi throughout the property, the non-smoking hotel has a hot tub.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a toaster, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Rooms are equipped with a kettle, while certain rooms also offer a kitchen with an oven and a stovetop. At Inotropes Boutique Suites – Adults Only all rooms include bed linen and towels.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast.
Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is 7 km from Inotropes Boutique Suites – Adults Only, while Cultural Conference Centre of Heraklion is 15 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 13 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€153
/night
Located in Archanes, 9.4 km from The Palace of Knossos and 15 km from Venetian Walls, The H Experience – The Good Life Archanes – Free parking offers air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment with a terrace and mountain views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 16 km from The H Experience – The Good Life Archanes – Free parking, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 27 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 13 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€131
/night
Located 10 km from The Palace of Knossos, “Eirini” traditional house Creta Archanes, Αρχάνες σπίτι offers accommodation with a balcony, as well as a garden. Free WiFi is offeredthroughout the property.
Each unit comes with a terrace offering garden views, a cable flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with walk-in shower, a hair dryer and free toiletries. An oven, a fridge and stovetop are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Venetian Walls is 16 km from the apartment, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 14 km from “Eirini” traditional house Creta Archanes, Αρχάνες σπίτι.
Located in Archanes, Crete, Manili Boutique Suites & Villas offers breakfast included accommodation with free WiFi.
All villas and suites will provide you with a TV, air conditioning, kitchenette and private bathrooms with spacious showers.
There are 2 outdoor pools, shared barbeque facilities, as well as fine dining and local delicacies at Manili Bistro.
Heraklion International Airport is located 12 km from the property. Free private, on-site parking is possible.
from
€177
/night
Featuring garden views, WALNUT TREE VILLA provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 16 km from Venetian Walls. The air-conditioned accommodation is 10 km from The Palace of Knossos, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The villa comes with 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the villa.
WALNUT TREE VILLA features a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 16 km from the accommodation, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 28 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 14 km from WALNUT TREE VILLA, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Featuring mountain views, Archanes The Loft offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 9.3 km from The Palace of Knossos. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
This apartment comes with 1 bedroom, a kitchen with an oven and a toaster, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom equipped with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
Venetian Walls is 15 km from the apartment, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 13 km from Archanes The Loft.
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