Photos, videos and docs of Martin M. Miles, with the keywords: "Olous"

Elounda - Basilica

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Fri, 16 May 2025 21:46:01 +0000

The oldest known settlement in Elounda was the ancient Greek city of Olous, founded around 1000 BC. The settlement declined in importance when, in the 4th century AD, eastern Crete subsided and western Crete rose. As a result, Olous sank. The ruins of the ancient city now lie below sea level.

On a hilltop lie the ruins of an early Christian basilica, originally built in the 4th/5th century. It had three naves and is an example of religious architecture of its time. It is considered the cathedral of the ancient city of Olous, which has sunk into the lagoon.

The mosaic floor (unfortunately covered with a tarpaulin) is said to be one of the most beautiful surviving examples in Crete.

However, a part of it was gone, so that a little bit was visible.

Elounda - Basilica

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Fri, 16 May 2025 21:37:27 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Elounda - Basilica

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Fri, 16 May 2025 21:25:09 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Elounda - Bastions

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Thu, 15 May 2025 20:48:44 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

The oldest known settlement in Elounda was the ancient Greek city of Olous, founded around 1000 BC. The settlement declined in importance when, in the 4th century AD, eastern Crete subsided and western Crete rose. As a result, Olous sank. The ruins of the ancient city now lie below sea level.

During the Venetian period the city prospered due to the lucrative salt trade in the region. In 1579 the Venetians built a fortress on the island of Calydon, on the ruins of an ancient acropolis, to protect the port of Elounda from pirate attacks. The bastions of this fortress still exist probably because they could be used as windmills

In the early 20th century, Elounda served as a transit point for lepers transported to the leper colony of Spinalonga.