A 4,000-year-old stone building discovered on a hilltop in Crete has archaeologists puzzled and threatens to disrupt a major airport project on the Greek tourist island.
As per CNN, the Greece Culture Ministry described the find as "unique and extremely interesting" from Crete's Minoan civilization, known for its grand palaces and elaborate art.
The ruins of the labyrinthine structure, resembling a large car wheel from above, were unearthed during recent excavations.
The site, originally earmarked for a radar station for a new airport near Kastelli, is now under scrutiny due to the discovery.
The airport, set to open in 2027, aims to replace Greece's second-largest airport at Heraklion, catering to millions of travelers annually.
However, the purpose of the hilltop structure remains unclear.
With no known Minoan parallels, experts speculate it could have had a ritual or religious function.
The inner structure, surrounded by eight stepped stone walls, may have had a shallow conical roof.
The building, spanning 1,800 square meters, is thought to have been a communal space used for ceremonies involving food, wine, and offerings.
Moreover, its construction required considerable labor and specialized knowledge, suggesting it held significance in the area's community.
Meanwhile, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni assured the preservation of the find while seeking an alternative location for the radar station.
The building, mainly used between 2,000 and 1,700 B.C.E., dates back to the early Minoan period and shares features with ancient burial sites.
