Site de Falassarna/Φαλασαρνα, Crète, Grèce
The site of Phalasarna (Falassarna) was utilized from the Middle Minoan period through to the mid-1st century BC. The earliest phases are still unknown, however from the 4th century BC the settlement flourished and could boast of strong fortifications and a closed harbour, a naval force to be reckoned with, a mint, several temples, and the trappings of a prosperous city with access to trade routes. The city reached its pinnacle in the glow of the Hellenistic world situated as it was on the route between Ptolemaic Alexandria and the Aegean. The sources of the city’s wealth may well have derived from piratical ventures as was common in the Mediterranean, however this conflicted with the interests of the expanding Roman political, social, and economic network. In an attempt to eliminate the pirate nests dotted around the coast of Crete Roman military forces eventually destroyed the city in 69 BC. The settlement never recovered from this action, although a Roman town located further south adopted the name of Phalasarna. Other factors such as a rise in sea level may also have contributed to the city’s decline. Massive earthquakes in 365 AD eventually raised the area 6.66m.
Site de Falassarna/Φαλασαρνα, Crète, Grèce
The site of Phalasarna (Falassarna) was utilized from the Middle Minoan period through to the mid-1st century BC. The earliest phases are still unknown, however from the 4th century BC the settlement flourished and could boast of strong fortifications and a closed harbour, a naval force to be reckoned with, a mint, several temples, and the trappings of a prosperous city with access to trade routes. The city reached its pinnacle in the glow of the Hellenistic world situated as it was on the route between Ptolemaic Alexandria and the Aegean. The sources of the city’s wealth may well have derived from piratical ventures as was common in the Mediterranean, however this conflicted with the interests of the expanding Roman political, social, and economic network. In an attempt to eliminate the pirate nests dotted around the coast of Crete Roman military forces eventually destroyed the city in 69 BC. The settlement never recovered from this action, although a Roman town located further south adopted the name of Phalasarna. Other factors such as a rise in sea level may also have contributed to the city’s decline. Massive earthquakes in 365 AD eventually raised the area 6.66m.