Aptera
Archaeological Site of Aptera
Aptera was one of the most significant city-states of Crete. The site is located on a plateau of an altitude of 200m above Souda Bay, about 15 km away from the city of Chania on the road towards Rethymno. The two city ports of Minoa (today’s Marathi) and Kisamo (current Kalives) made Aptera one of the most important commercial centers of Crete. Its inhabitants were skilful archers and fought as mercenaries bringing back wealth to their land.
The site’s history begins from the Minoan Period (3500- 1070 BC), however there are traces dating back to the Geometric Period (1000- 685 BC), the Hellenistic Period (323- 67 BC) and the Roman Empire (67 BC - 324 AD).
Written sources and excavations so far show that the city’s greatest prosperity was during the Hellenistic times (end of the 4th - 3rd centuries BC) when it began to cut its own coins becoming economically and politically stronger. One side of the coin depicted the goddess Artemis and the other the king of Aptera, Apollo or Hera along with a torch, a bee or a bow.
During the Pax Romana period of the Roman Domination the city of Aptera started to shrink economically and politically while agriculture started to flourish. While its occupation continued during the Byzantine years it didn’t prosper.
The origin of the name Aptera
The origin of the city’s name is believed to refer to Artemis: “Artemis Aptera”. According to Pausanias the king of Delphi Pteras or Apteras gave his name to the city; he was the one to build the second temple of Apollo at Delphi and is also thought to be the city’s founder (namely Ptolioikos, as it is mentioned on the coins). Yet, the most charming myth is the one delivered by Stefanos Byzantios (6th c. A.D.) according to which the name derives from the mythic battle between the Muses and the Sirens on the hill of Aptera. The defeated Sirens threw their feathers - thus remaining featherless (“apteres”) - which turned white and fell into the sea. Their white feathers formed the islets of Souda Bay called Lefkes (White).
A tour around the archaeological site
Your visit to the archaeological site of Aptera will get you acquainted with Crete’s history. The archaeological site continues to bring to light new important finds through ongoing excavations and attracts more and more visitors. It surely will fascinate you with all its monuments, its history and myths.
Ancient Theatre of Aptera
The theatre always played an important role in the public life of the ancient cities. In ancient Aptera the theatre is built at the southernmost side of the site, looking towards the White Mountains (in Greek: Lefka Ori). The most significant parts of the theatre are the koilon (auditorium), the orchestra and the skene. Its total capacity is estimated to have been 3.700 spectators.
The theatre’s orchestra is one of the smallest ones with a radius of 5.45m, which suggests that it was intended for musical and theatrical performances. Its floor is made of compressed soil and at the centre there is a circular stone base of Thymely, the altar of Dionysus, where sacrifices were offered before each performance. The skene was where the theatrical play unfolded. It had a rectangular structure at the edge of the orchestra, which was located across the koilon. The skene that you can observe today in Aptera was built during the Roman Empire. On the east and west of the theatre are the entrances called parodoi.
The stone-paved streets at the easternmost side of the theatre are of great significance and date back to the Hellenistic Period. Its total length is of 55m with a maximum width of 1.60m. It served as an access to the orchestra from the eastern entrance.
From the excavations it was concluded that the staircase located east of the upper part of the theatre, known as epitheatron, was also used by other public buildings of the city that were located near the theatre, including sanctuaries. The main construction phases of the Aptera Theatre are considered to be during the Hellenistic Period, Roman I and Roman II Eras.
Book Your Taxi
Book a comfortable and reliable taxi for an immersive journey through the architectural wonders of our city. Experience the grandeur of historic landmarks and delve into the intricate details of renowned architectural masterpieces. Our professional drivers will navigate you through the city's architectural gems, ensuring a seamless and memorable tour filled with inspiration and awe.
