On a conical hill called Souvloto Mouri lies a house of the Middle Minoan Ia period (ca 2100-1900 BC),
which comprises the unique example of an elipsoid building
known in Crete so far, a combination of the circular and rectangular architectural types of buildings. It was erected
over the ruins of Early Minoan structures (2800-2300 BC) which were probab;y rural farmhouses. The main entrance
of the Middle Minoan oval house is on the SE side, while a second one was uncovered on the NW, at the base of
a staircase that leads to the upper floor. The structural nucleus of the house is a small open courtyard surrounded by
rooms fronting on it. A well or cistern is located in the eastern part of the courtyard. One of the largest rooms on the NE
side has been interpreted as a domestic shrine, due to the notable quantity of figurines found in situ.
The house at Chamezi was excavated in the early 20th century by St. Xanthoudides and D. Mackenzie.
Further research was conducted in 1971 by the then Curator of Antiquities K. Davaras and studies on the function of
the building were made by the Prof. St. Alexiou and N. Platon.
Archaeological site
Art & culture
Ancient monuments
Houses: Pre-palatial period, 3200-1900 BC
Visiting Information
Free admission
Site always open
Executives & Departments
Archaeological service:, 24th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Agios Nikolaos, Tel.: 28410 22462, 28410 25115, Fax: 28410 25115, Email: Requires Login as Tourism Professional
