First excavated during Nazi occupation, the dig was continued by the Greek Archaeological service in 1980, a large structure with 60-odd rooms, and some 40 pothoi vases, were discovered here, dating back to the late 18th century BC. Evacuated at the end of the first palace period (circa 1675 BC), this is a very interesting example of Middle Minoan architecture, though claims of its use as a “palace”, similar to Knossos, Malia, Zakros, Galatas, Petras, and Phaistos are unsubstantiated. Clay sealings found at the site, have linked Monastiraki, to Phaistos.
