Iuktas '80
Item
File name
sackett_140 See all items with this value
Title
Iuktas '80 See all items with this value
Description
This image shows a portion of the Mount Iuktas Peak sanctuary (Anemospilia) in north central Crete. This structure appears to have been the west room of the Anemospilia, what is believed to be a Minoan temple. See all items with this value
Place name
Archanes-anemospilia (inhabited place) See all items with this value
Subject
Archaeological Site
Notes
The nature of the Anemospilia has been debated by scholars and archaeologists over time. In particular, the structure does not clearly mirror the labrynth style of other Minoan temples in that it is more symmetrical and rectangular. The exact purpose of the west room itself has also been debated. Interestingly, the entrance to this chamber is not in the center of the room, but on the east side. It was first suggested that this may have been used for bull sacrifice, but the opening would not have been large enough. Also in this chamber, excavators discovered three bodies, one, a young male, held a blade. The bodies were near what could be a low altar-like structure toward the center of the room. While it is still being debated, it has been suggested that, due to an earthquake that happened somewhere around this period, humans may have been used as sacrifice in an attempt to appease the gods.
Date photographed
April 1980
