Zakros

Zakros is a Minoan archaeological site on the eastern coast of Crete in Lasithi [1]. It is regarded as one of the six Minoan palaces, and its protected harbor and strategic location made it an important commercial hub for trade to the east [1]. Zakros is sometimes divided into Epano Zakros, the portion higher up on the hillside, and Kato Zakros, the part near the sea [1]. A ravine known as the "Ravine of the Dead" runs through both the upper and lower parts of the ancient site, named after the numerous burials that have been found in the caves along its walls [1]. The site was first occupied in the Early Minoan III to Middle Minoan IA period (c. 2000 BC) [1]. The site was first recorded by Thomas Abel Brimage Spratt in 1851 [1]. Zakro was excavated by D. G. Hogarth of the British School of Archaeology at Athens under the auspices of the Cretan Exploration Fund in 1901 working primarily in the central area [1]. Finds included bronze tools, pottery, loom weights, furniture, and a winepress [1].