Recent excavations carried out by the Lasithi Antiquties Ephorate on the islet of Chrysi off the eastern Coast of Crete have revealed a paint production facility and evidence of continuous occupation from the Early Minoan to the Late Minoan Era. Archaeologists discovered a large quantity of murex seashells, which were used to produce red and purple paint, as well as stone tanks built to cultivate the species. In addition, a treasure trove of ancient ”talanta” coins was unearthed, along with three vases, all made of copper, whose combined weight exceeded 50 pounds (68 kg). Scholars believe these finds date to 1500 BC, and are evidence of a significant industry at this point in history. In 2018, archaeologists discovered a gold ring, a gold bracelet, as well as gold, silver, and bronze beads at the same site. Officials with the Antiquties Ephorate believe these buildings once belonged to aristocratic members of society, likely the administrators of the paint production facility. Scripture records that 1500 years later the Apostle Paul spent time on Crete and left Titus there to appoint elders in the churches in each town on the Island (Titus 1:5).
OFF-SITE LINKS:
- https://greekcitytimes.com/2019/11/02/minyan-settlement-crete/
- https://greece.greekreporter.com/2019/11/01/ruins-of-thriving-minoan-settlement-discovered-on-crete/
