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| GOURNES |
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Gournia, the ancient name of which is not known, is the most characteristic of the medium-size settlements that have been excavated, dated to the period of the peak of the Minoan culture (Late Minoan I period: 1550-1450 BC). It is called "Pompeii of Minoan Crete" because of its good state of preservation and occupies a low hill, close to the sea at the Isthmus of Ierapetra. The first inhabitants settled here in the Early Minoan III period (2300 BC). Remains of the Middle Minoan period (2000-1600 BC) are also preserved. In about 1600 BC, the palace
was erected but was destroyed along with the surrounding town in 1450 BC, at the same time with all the other palatial centres of Crete. Fifty years later the site was partly reoccupied and was finally abandoned in around 1200 BC. |
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