Karfi

Karfi is an archaeological site high up in the Dikti Mountains in eastern Crete, Greece [1]. The ancient name of the site is unknown; "Karfi" ("the nail") is a local toponym for the prominent knob of limestone that marks the peak of the site, especially when viewed from the north [1]. The Dorians seem to have driven the local people up into the hills; the latest towns with Minoan material culture are in more and more inaccessible places, one of the largest and most extensive settlements being at Karfi, high in the Dikti Mountains [1]. Archaeological remains include house complexes, some of which resemble the megaron-type building with central hearth, and a "Temple" or sanctuary, where votive figures were found [1]. J. D. S. Pendlebury and the British Archaeology School extensively excavated the ruins in 1937 and 1939 [1]. The Minoan town includes a shrine with an altar, single story houses and paved streets [1].