Leben, Crete

Leben (also Lebena) was an ancient maritime town on Crete's south coast, serving as the harbour of Gortyna. Habitation dates back to the Early Minoan period (ca. 2600-2000 BC), with graves and pottery found on Anginaropapouro hill. In the 4th century BC the Gortynians established a celebrated Sanctuary of Asclepius around a thermal spring believed to have healing properties, making it a renowned centre for hydrotherapy. The Roman-era temple (1st-2nd centuries AD) had mudbrick walls with white marble revetment preserved to 3.4 metres high. A catastrophic earthquake in 46 BC destroyed the city, though it was rebuilt. Italian excavations in 1900-1913 uncovered the sanctuary complex, mosaics depicting a seahorse and palmettes, and inscriptions.