Greece has captured one of the top honors in the world of archaeology, receiving the prestigious “Archaeologist of Palmyra” Award for the Best Archaeological Discovery of 2024.
The prize, given at the International Archaeological Tourism Exhibition in Paestum, southern Italy, celebrates the spectacular ongoing excavation of a Minoan building on Papoura Hill in Crete. The site immediately grabbed international attention, with event organizers hailing it as “a mysterious palace reminiscent of the myth of the Labyrinth.”
Greece’s Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, was quick to acknowledge the significance, calling the international honor “a truly important event.”
“The Palmyra Award is significant because it recognizes an exceptional excavation — the Minoan structure at Papoura Hill. Although the site was known, the building itself was uncovered during archaeological works linked to the new airport in Kastelli. Experts say this find reshapes our understanding of Minoan archaeology,” Mendoni added.
The labyrinth building discovery on Crete is unique
The excavation has revealed a rare, monumental circular structure, impressive for its size, early date, and unique architectural design.
The President of the Association of Greek Archaeologists, Costas Paschalidis, described Papoura as “one of the most important archaeological finds of the 21st century for the prehistoric Aegean.”
With a diameter of 48-50 meters, this circular, labyrinthine building has no known parallel in prehistoric Crete or the wider Aegean region. Its design is reminiscent of the circular residential or funerary buildings found in the early Bronze Age in Mesopotamia, Syria, and Oman, as well as the circular enclosures of Neolithic and prehistoric Europe.
Related: Excavation Results Shed Light on Mysterious Minoan Labyrinth on Crete
