WEATHER

Anogeia

Light Showers
11°C
Wind: 15 Southwest

Rethymno

16°C
Wind: 27 West

Spili

14°C
Wind: 06 West

Fragma Potamon

17°C
Wind: 13 West

Kallikratis - Argiroupoli

Ancient Lappa

Ancient Lappa

In modern Argiroupoli (ancient Lappa), excavations have been organized in recent years by the KE Ephorate of Classical and Prehistoric Antiquities. Parts of ancient Lappa have been found in scattered places, which date back to the Geometrical and Roman eras. However, most findings date back to the Hellenistic and early Roman years, something that proves that the area flourished greatly in these periods. It is also known from literature that Lappa was one of the most important towns of western Crete that flourished during the Roman years. It was destroyed by Metellos in 68 BC, but after 31 BC it was rebuilt into a new more glorious town, which also had baths and its own currency. The dead town of ancient Lappa extends along Petres River, in the east and northwest of the ancient town. The main architectural style found in this town is the chambered tomb, which is carved in marly limestone rock. Pit-like tiled roofs aren't scarce either, as well as box-shaped slate-covered ones and pits dug into the rock. Tombs have been constructed at the hill's foot as far as the river banks. Their layout reminds of the tombs layout at Matala and Falaggari. These are family tombs, which were used for multiple burials and most of them were found sealed. At least 70 tombs were found along the stone-paved paths of this area. Throughout the centuries, the monuments were used again as lodging places or as small temples.

Source: Prefectural Committee for Touristic Promotion

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