Volume V - 1951

Author Category Volume Page Year Language Platon N. PAPERS AND STUDIES 5 96 - 160 1951 Greek Title The Maza sanctuary (Kalo Chorio, Pediada) and Minoan peak sanctuaries Summary PDF The archaeological excavation at the Maza site near Kalo Chorio in Pediada has led to the discovery of potsherds from Middle Minoan I offerings in the crevices in a rock overlooking the area. The finds prove the existence of a peak sanctuary. They are connected to the performance of a specific ritual, which consisted of casting figurines into a sacred fire and scattering the fragments, along with the ash, over the rock in which the cult divinity was believed to reside. Other Cretan peak sanctuaries have been identified in the areas of Petsofas, Zakros, Chamezi, Piskokefalo in Sitia, Prophitis Ilias in Malia, Entichtis and Karfi in Lassithi, Iouchtas, Koumasa and Afentis Christos. The finds from these places of worship are compared to ascertain their form and period of use, as well as the type of worship.