Chamaizi
The western part of the building
with the cistern on the right
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Chamaizi is situated on the hill known as Souvloto Mouri, near the village of
Chamaizi on the land route to eastern Crete. From the site, the modern town
of Siteia can be seen in the distance. The very solid remains that can be seen
on the site are from the Middle Minoan IA building, and it is unique because
it is the only oval building so far discovered from the Minoan period. One suggestion
is that the small round top of the hill dictated the oval shape of the buildings.
The cistern in the foreground and
behind it to the right the courtyard that formed the centre of the complex
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Although several archaeologists have suggested that the building was a peak
sanctuary, this seems unlikely. It is more likely to have been the last of a
series of houses dating back to the Early Minoan period, built on this site.
It has also been pointed out that, with the spectacular view over the Bay of
Siteia , it would have made an excellent lookout post and Castleden believes
that it may have been one of a series built in the area, with the building at
Ayia Photia constituting another.
The eastern part of the buildings
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The site was originally excavated by Xanthoudides in 1903 and again by C. Davaras
in 1971. Although fenced, the gate seems to be left permanently open so the
site is open all year round. It is signposted from the main road, though it
is not easy to find after that as the remaining signposts have rusted or disappeared.
Once found, it is well worth a visit, both for the site itself and the spectacular
views.
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