Late Minoan tholos tomb at Stylos
The tholos tomb was discovered at the Sternaki site just outside the village of Stylos, south of ancient Aptera (Megala Chorafia). It consists of a vaulted burial chamber accessed via a sunken passageway (dromos). The tomb is very close to the Minoan settlement on the hill of Azogyres. It is thought to have been intended for the local ruler whose seat was the prehistoric settlement of Azogyres. It was found looted, but sherds from the lowest layer date it to the Late Minoan IIIA/B period (14th – 13th c. BC). Pottery sherds of very good quality from vessels made by a workshop in neighbouring Kydonia have been found at the site.
The tomb consists of a vaulted, built burial chamber (4.30 m in diameter) and a long, built dromos 20.80 m long and 1.60 m wide. Outside the tomb was a pebble floor. The monumental entrance to the chamber features a triangular relieving arch above the lintel at a height of 2.30 m. This type of tholos tomb was intended for Mycenaean rulers.
It is located very close to the Minoan settlement on the hill of Azogyres. The existence of the tomb and the settlement here is no accident, as the fertile plain of Stylos attracted the first inhabitants at an early date. The settlement has been identified as APATAWA, the Aptera/Aptara mentioned in the Linear B tablets (early Greek language). During the Archaic period, offerings to the spirits of the dead (enagismoi) were made here, as evidenced by twelve cups found on the entrance lintel. Votive libation cups of the Hellenistic period were discovered inside and outside the tomb, attesting to cult practice at the site.
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- Tholos tomb at Stylos. The tomb entrance (source: Sotiris Zapantiotis).
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- Tholos tomb at Stylos. Exterior view of the tomb (source: Sotiris Zapantiotis).
Late Minoan tholos tomb at Stylos in the Route of Timelessness
Late Minoan tholos tomb at Stylos in the Route of Rural Life
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- Tholos tomb, Stylos. The roof of the burial chamber. Cretan shepherds’ huts are constructed in a similar way (source: Sotiris Zapantiotis).
Late Minoan tholos tomb at Stylos in the Route of Life and Death
The finds from the lowest layer of the chamber date it to Late Minoan III A-B (c. 1390-1190 BC), while vessels of the Hellenistic period, mainly cups for pouring libations in honour of the dead, have also been discovered there.
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- Tholos tomb, Stylos. The dromos and the entrance to the burial chamber (source: Alexandros Vazakas).
Stylos
Stylos is located at an altitude of 40 meters, on the banks of the river Koiliaris, and has abundant springs.
It is 18 kilometres from Chania.
