Volume I - 1947

Author Category Volume Page Year Language Platon N. PAPERS AND STUDIES 1 239 - 255 1947 Greek Title Contribution to the toponyms, topography and history of the cities and fortresses of Crete Summary PDF In contrast to earlier theories arguing for the total destruction of the walls at Chandax during its recapture by Nicephorus Phocas, and the lack of fortifications until the town was conquered by Pescatore of Genoa, this paper adduces archaeological data, place names and other testimony to argue that a new enceinte was built at Chandax. The remains of the Arab walls were incorporated into these new defences, which stood throughout the second Byzantine period. Archaeological finds and Venetian historical sources strengthen the case for the existence of a pre-Hellenic city named Balchania or Boukania near Suda, from which the place name Chania may have derived, gaining currency at the time of the Arab conquest.