Tylissos

Tylissos (also spelled Tylisos or Tilisos) was an important Minoan town on the island of Crete, located near modern-day Tylissos, in the regional unit of Heraklion. The site is notable for its well-preserved Minoan houses, which offer valuable insights into Minoan domestic architecture and daily life.

Archaeological Site: The archaeological site of Tylissos features three main houses (House A, House B, and House C) dating primarily from the Neopalatial period (Middle Minoan IIIB – Late Minoan IB, c. 1700-1450 BC). These houses were remarkably well-constructed, with multiple stories, paved courtyards, and sophisticated drainage systems.

Significance: Tylissos holds archaeological significance due to the artifacts discovered within its structures. These finds include bronze vessels, pottery, tools, and tablets inscribed with Linear A script, providing clues about the economy, trade, and administration of the Minoan civilization. The presence of bronze workshops also indicates that Tylissos was likely a center for metalworking.

Destruction: Like many other Minoan settlements, Tylissos experienced destruction around the time of the volcanic eruption on Thera (Santorini). While the exact nature and cause of this destruction remain a topic of debate, the site provides evidence of a widespread period of upheaval during the Late Bronze Age.

Excavations: The site of Tylissos was excavated primarily by Joseph Chatzidakis in the early 20th century. His work revealed the complexity of the Minoan settlement and its connections to other major Minoan centers, such as Knossos. Subsequent research has continued to build upon Chatzidakis's initial findings, further illuminating the history of Tylissos.