#prinias

[gemsofgreece]

The chapel of Saint Panteleimon on the hill of Patella at Priniás. In antiquity this is where Minoan Rizinia or Apollonia was located until the Roman era. Photo by Giannis Tsoumetis. 

[via-appia]

Lintel from the main entrance to Temple A at Prinias, Archaic Greek period c. 650-600 BC

[thalassarche]

Graceful Prinia (Prinia gracilis) - photo by LiewMoiLoy Vincent

[thalassarche]

Yellow-bellied Prinia (Prinia flaviventris) - photo by Eddy Lee

[vertigo1871]

Prinias, limestone lintel of Temple A

[archaicwonder]

'Temple A' in  Prinias, Crete

Occupation of Prinias began at the end of the Bronze Age in what is known as the Late Minoan IIIC period (1260–1050 BC). Located in central Crete, Prinias controlled the passes between Knossos and Gortyn. The site lies on a triangular plateau called the Patela and is surrounded on all sides by formidable cliffs.

Toward the end of the 8th century BC, construction began on a well-planned town with laid out streets, open spaces, homes and buildings for cult worship. Most of the architecture dates from this period through the 6th century BC. The site is particularly known for its monumental buildings, Temple A and Temple B, which were built during this period as well.

Sometime in the middle of the 6th century BC, the site was destroyed or abandoned. The latest pottery from the area is early mid-Corinthian and the last burials in Prinas' necropolis also date to the mid-6th century BC. There is some evidence for minor habitation in the 4th century BC when a fort was built on the site.

For a virtual tour of the site, check out this helmet cam video made by some mountain bikers cruising the ancient roads of Prinias.