Recent archaeological excavations at the Palace of Archanes in Crete, under the direction of Dr. Efi Sapouna-Sakellarakis, affiliated with the Greek Ministry of Culture, have revealed a unique discovery that sheds new light on the religious and architectural practices of the Minoan civilization, one of the first structured societies in Europe. Located near the famous palace of Knossos, the site of Archanes, although less known, is distinguished by the presence of a door sanctuary, a sacred element never before observed in a Minoan palace.
This find highlights the religious sophistication of the Minoans, marked by powerful symbolism and codified rituals. By relying on various architectural and artistic elements, archaeologists are gradually reconstructing the importance of these sacred spaces in the spiritual and daily life of this ancient civilization.
A unique sanctuary at the gates of the palace
Located about 15 kilometers south of Knossos, the Minoan Palace of Archanes, dating from 1900 BC, is distinguished by intricate architecture that rivals the most imposing structures of this ancient civilization. Unlike Knossos, which has long monopolized the attention of archaeologists, Archanes now reveals a unique aspect of Minoan spirituality.
Notably with the discovery of a “gate sanctuary” placed at the main entrance to the palace. This sacred structure, unique in the Minoan context, marks an access point where the sacred domain seems to embrace the profane space. Which gives the entrance a strong symbolic dimension. This architectural feature reflects a link between palatial infrastructure and Minoan religious practices. A rare and precious testimony to the importance of entry rituals into the spiritual life of this civilization.
Representation of the entrance to the palace of Archanes with the altars. © Greek Ministry of Culture
The sanctuary consists of four altars and two stone platform arms. Characteristics which reinforce the sacred function of this entrance door. Each altar has a distinctive shape, with one elongated and the other designed in steps. This highlights a ritual variety that may have served different aspects of worship. These elements had been partially revealed during previous excavation campaigns.
But their full significance has only recently been understood. The Greek Ministry of Culture states that this discovery “ sheds further light on the religious practices of the Minoans, marking the place with a remarkable spiritual aura “. The portals constitute ritualized passages towards spaces dedicated to local deities.
The complex architecture of Archanes and its sanctuary
Recent excavations have made it possible to explore in detail a vast courtyard of 96 square meters, located south of the entrance to the palace of Archanes. This sector reveals sophisticated and varied architecture. The massive stones suggest the robustness and scale of Minoan constructions. Among the remains found, fragments of Greek and Mycenaean ceramics illustrate the continuous occupation and evolution of the site through different historical periods.
The palace of Archanes therefore retained an active function well after the Minoan apogee. The mix of ceramic styles found in the courtyard provides crucial clues about the exchange between cultures and the importance of the site in the eastern Mediterranean trade network.
Drawing of the southern entrance to the palace with two bases for the double axes. © Greek Ministry of Culture
To the north of the palace, excavations have uncovered imposing two- and three-story structures. They have rooms decorated with colorful plaster slabs and decorated with frescoes. The tinted plaster fragments, probably with geometric patterns or inspired by nature, demonstrate an aesthetic concern and advanced artistic mastery. Typical characteristics of the great Minoan palaces. The interior decoration of these rooms is embellished with bright colors and decorative bands framing the tiles. It shows an elaborate understanding of space and visual symbolism, specific to ritual and residential constructions. All of these discoveries reflect the richness of Minoan material culture, suggesting a ceremonial use of spaces and a remarkable ability to build places adapted to spiritual, social and administrative practices. All these elements transform the palace of Archanes into a major center of Minoan civilization.
Relics of ancient religious practices
Finally, the series of religious relics found at the palace shed further light on ancient Minoan rituals. Among the discoveries, a stone base with bronze hooks, probably intended to support a wooden figure, was found south of the main entrance. This type of support, accompanied by charred remains of wood, probably testifies to a fire that affected this section of the palace. Possibly during the Mycenaean period, a time when many Minoan palaces were reused and adapted by a new culture.
The object in question could have played a sacred role. An element reinforcing the idea of a space where statues of deities or other religious objects were honored. The burn marks would then indicate a fire offering ritual or even intentional destruction during changes in cultural occupation.
Massive fallen stones. A stone base with remains of burnt wood. © Greek Ministry of Culture
This discovery completes the double ax altar, a central element in Minoan religious symbolism. This type of altar, associated with local cults, represented deities such as Eileithyia Prothyraia. The latter represents the protective goddess of thresholds and sacred borders. Dr. Sapouna-Sakellarakis emphasizes that such entrance sanctuaries were symbolic places of passage, connecting the secular world to sacred spaces. The deities protected and blessed the inhabitants. The veneration of this goddess testifies to the importance of these ritual thresholds in Minoan daily life. Each material boundary took on a spiritual meaning. These discoveries show the deep integration of religion into Minoan life. They reveal how each architectural aspect could be invested with a sacred function, placing the palace of Archanes in a space that is both physical and divine.
A window into the Minoan civilization
The recent discoveries at the Palace of Archanes therefore offer a broader vision of the Minoan civilization, going well beyond the simple sanctuary of the gate. Indeed, these artifacts, both religious and architectural, reveal the Minoans' refinement in terms of craftsmanship and spatial organization. A culture steeped in rituals and complex know-how. Each element unearthed, from altars to frescoes, demonstrates a keen sense of symbolism and construction, confirming that Archanes was not limited to a peripheral role. This city constituted a ritual and cultural center of primary importance, compared to Knossos.
Remember that the latter is the largest Minoan palace, dating from the Bronze Age. Discovered by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans in the early 20th century, this site is notable for its colorful frescoes, labyrinthine corridors and remarkable architectural innovations. Among them is an advanced plumbing system with clay pipes for water supply and drainage. There is also a complex natural ventilation network ensuring effective temperature regulation within buildings.
The importance of this excavation goes far beyond the immediate archaeological interest. It therefore becomes a starting point for new research on the Minoan heritage in European history. The continuity of the occupation of Archanes from the Minoan to the Mycenaean period indicates that certain religious and cultural practices resisted political upheavals and the influence of new dynasties. These enduring traces of local worship and sacred symbols show the resilience of Minoan ideas and rituals. We can see a lasting transmission of beliefs through the centuries.
Source: Greek Ministry of Culture
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
