Palaikastro

Palaikastro, on Crete's eastern coast, was one of the largest Minoan settlements, spanning over 50,000 square metres and occupied from Early Minoan II to Late Minoan IIIB (c. 2600-1200 BC). The Roussolakkos settlement featured sophisticated urban planning with grid-like streets, wealthy residences with columned halls, bathing facilities, and an extensive drainage system. Notable finds include the ivory Palaikastro Kouros statuette. From the 9th century BC to the 2nd century AD, the site served as a major regional sanctuary dedicated to Diktaian Zeus. First excavated in 1902-1906 by the British School of Archaeology in Athens.