The modern city of Chania is built upon the ancient Minoan city believed to have been called Kydonia or Ku-do-ni-ja, as referenced on Linear B script tablets from Knossos dating back to at least the 14th century BC. According to tradition, Kydonia was one of the three main cities founded by King Minos in Crete, alongside Knossos and Phaistos (Diodorus V, 78.2).
Over the past four decades, excavations have unearthed significant remains of the Minoan settlement on Kastelli Hill and in the neighboring district of Splantzia, within the Old Town. These archaeological discoveries encompass all phases of the Minoan civilization, from the Proto-Minoan I period (3650 BC) to the Late Minoan III C period (1200 BC).
Chania’s establishment during the neo-palatial period (1600 – 1400 BC) is recognized as one of the palatial centers characterized by meticulous urban planning, centralized power, and bureaucratic organization. During the final phase of the Minoan civilization (1400 – 1100 BC), when Crete was integrated into the Mycenaean world, Kydonia thrived and became a significant hub in an extensive overseas trade network. It had connections with mainland Greece, the Cyclades, Cyprus, Canaan, Syria, Egypt, Italy, and Sardinia.
South of the Byzantine wall, beneath its foundation, excavations revealed a building from the early Middle Minoan period. In an area of approximately 90 square meters, archaeologists uncovered four rooms and parts of four more buildings dating back to the pre-palatial and transitional PMIII/MMI A phases (2300-1900 BC). The structure, adapted to the terrain’s morphology, follows a N-S orientation and has a trapezoidal plan with larger rooms on the eastern side. The robust construction and carefully crafted facades suggest the building was designed to withstand external attacks. The earth fill covering the structure and the absence of entrance openings indicate these were likely underground rooms, with primary use on an upper level. Although no earlier phase of habitation was identified, continuous use of the space in later times was evident. A small section of a paved floor on the northwestern border dates to the LM I period (1600-1450 BC). Artifacts found include obsidian flakes and pottery, mainly utilitarian, produced by local workshops with parallels in the pre-palatial settlements of Kythira and Nopigeia, west of Chania.
The preservation and showcasing of this pre-palatial building at the base of the ancient wall, along with the significant Byzantine rampart to its south, provide a vivid glimpse into the rich history of Chania within a compact area.
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