Honorary event for Professor Nikos Stampolidis in Ancient Eleftherna
Source: Tornos News
On August 31, an event dedicated to the renowned Professor of Archaeology Nikos Stampolidis is scheduled to take place in Ancient Eleftherna, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the start of the University of Crete’s excavation work in the area. The initiative is being undertaken by the Cultural Association of Ancient Eleftherna, with the support of the Municipality of Rethymno, seeking to honor the man who linked his name with the discovery and promotion of the important archaeological site.
Ancient Eleftherna, strategically built at the northern foot of Psiloritis, approximately 25 kilometers from Rethymno, was one of the most important cities of ancient Crete. Its history extends from the Geometric period to the Byzantine period, while its location on a naturally fortified hill offered it security and control of the surrounding landscape. During antiquity, it played an important role in the trade and cultural interaction of the island, while its heyday is recorded in both archaeological evidence and historical sources.
The excavations that began in 1985 under the direction of Mr. Stampolidis revealed parts of residential complexes, public buildings, sanctuaries and workshops, as well as extensive cemeteries, the most emblematic of which is the cemetery of Orthi Petra. From there came impressive burial complexes, such as burials of warriors, women with rich jewelry, but also finds that refer to Homeric descriptions, revealing aspects of the social and religious life of the time. The area also preserves the impressive stone bridge from Hellenistic times, a unique example of ancient bridge-building in Crete.
Nikos Stampolidis, Professor Emeritus of Classical Archaeology at the University of Crete and General Director of the Museum of Cycladic Art, has dedicated his life to the research and promotion of Greek culture. His contribution to Eleftherna is not limited to excavations; it culminated in the creation of the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, the first open-air archaeological site museum in Crete, which was inaugurated in 2016 and exhibits findings from the city and its cemeteries, offering the visitor a comprehensive picture of its centuries-old history.
The event on August 31 aspires to be not only an act of recognition for the work of Mr. Stampolidis, but also a celebration for Eleftherna itself, which, thanks to his scientific guidance, has emerged as one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean and a reference point for cultural tourism in Crete.
The original article: belongs to Tornos News .
