Opening hours:
01 Jun - 31 Oct: Tue-Sun, 08:00-15:00
01 Nov - 31 May: Tue-Sun, 08:00-15:00
The layout
of the cemetery
seems to have been pre-planned. All the tombs belong to the rock-cut chamber tomb
with dromos, with the exception of the unique built tholos tomb no. 200. Unworked
stones and pyramidal or slab stelae were erected over the tombs as markers. They
were all family tombs, containing multiple burials, either placed directly on
the floor or inside larnakes. The grave offerings - pottery, weapons, tools and
jewellery - provide us with useful information on art, religion and social organization
of the period.
In 1969, two pupils presented to the Archaeological
Museum of Rethymnon two vases found at the site called Prinokephalo, at the
community of Armenoi. Investigation of the area prooved the existence of an extensive
Late Minoan cemetery. Since then, the site has been systematically excavated,
and more than 220 tombs have been brought to light.
The most important of the tombs of the cemetery are the following: Tomb 200. It is the only tholos tomb at the cemetery
of Armenoi. The dromos, stepped at the beginning, is 4.55 m. long and 1.32 m.
wide and the entrance was blocked by a stone slab. A niche has been carved in
the side wall. Inside the circular burial chamber, bronze weapons, pottery, beads
and an amulet with a Linear A inscription were found. The tomb is dated to the
beginning of the 14th century BC. Tomb 159. It is the most impressive chamber tomb
of the cemetery. The dromos is 15.50 m. long and its outer section is occupied
by 25 steps, starting at ground level. A stone bench runs along the four sides
of the rectangular chamber and a pillar stands opposite the entrance. Inside the
burial chamber an impressive find was uncovered, the remains of a wooden "coffin".
The tomb is dated to 1420/1400-1200 BC.
