Settlements > Hagios Onouphrios

Hagios Onouphrios

Hagios Onouphrios, also spelled Agios Onouphrios, is an important archaeological site located near the modern town of Phaistos in southern Crete, Greece. This site is notable for its Early Minoan settlement and cemetery, which provide valuable insights into the development of the Minoan civilization during the Early Bronze Age (circa 3000-2000 BCE). Hagios Onouphrios is significant for its contributions to understanding Minoan architecture, burial practices, and social organization.

Key Features and Aspects of Hagios Onouphrios

Geographic Location

1. Southern Crete: Hagios Onouphrios is situated near the modern town of Phaistos, close to the important archaeological site of the Palace of Phaistos. The site is located on a low hill, providing strategic views of the surrounding landscape.
2. Proximity to Fertile Lands: The location near fertile plains allowed for agricultural activities, which supported the local population and contributed to the settlement's economic prosperity.

Historical Significance

1. Early Minoan Period: The primary significance of Hagios Onouphrios lies in its Early Minoan settlement and cemetery, dating back to the Early Bronze Age (circa 3000-2000 BCE). This period marks the early development of the Minoan civilization.
2. Connection to Phaistos: The site's proximity to Phaistos suggests a possible connection or subordinate relationship to the larger and more famous palace complex, indicating regional interaction and administrative organization.

Archaeological Discoveries

1. Settlement Structures: Excavations at Hagios Onouphrios have uncovered remains of residential buildings and other structures. These buildings provide insights into the architectural practices and urban planning of the Early Minoan period.

   • Houses and Workshops: The remains include houses and possible workshops, indicating a mix of residential and industrial activities.
   • Construction Techniques: The structures exhibit typical Minoan construction techniques, including the use of mudbrick and stone foundations.

2. Cemetery and Burial Practices: The site is also known for its cemetery, which includes various types of tombs and graves.

   • Burial Types: The cemetery contains both simple pit graves and more elaborate rock-cut tombs, reflecting different social statuses.
   • Grave Goods: Numerous grave goods have been found in the tombs, including pottery, stone tools, and jewelry. These items provide valuable information about the material culture and social practices of the Early Minoans.

3. Pottery and Artifacts: A significant discovery at Hagios Onouphrios is the distinctive pottery style known as "Hagios Onouphrios Ware."

   • Pottery Styles: This pottery is characterized by its fine quality and decorative motifs, including geometric patterns and naturalistic designs. It is one of the earliest examples of Minoan pottery and helps to define the Early Minoan period.
   • Other Artifacts: In addition to pottery, the site has yielded various other artifacts, such as stone tools, figurines, and seals, which provide further insights into the daily life and economic activities of the inhabitants.

Cultural and Social Aspects

1. Social Organization: The diversity in burial types and grave goods suggests a degree of social stratification within the community. Some individuals were buried with more elaborate goods, indicating higher status or wealth.
2. Religious Beliefs: The presence of grave goods and the care taken in burying the dead suggest that the inhabitants of Hagios Onouphrios had complex religious beliefs and rituals associated with death and the afterlife.

Economic Activities

1. Agriculture: The fertile lands around Hagios Onouphrios supported agriculture, including the cultivation of grains, olives, and grapes. Agriculture was likely the primary economic activity of the settlement.
2. Craft Production: Evidence of craft production, such as pottery and stone tools, indicates a diversified economy and the presence of skilled artisans within the community.

Modern Connection

1. Archaeological Research: Systematic excavations at Hagios Onouphrios began in the early 20th century and have continued to the present day. These excavations have greatly enhanced our understanding of the Early Minoan period and the development of Minoan civilization.
2. Cultural Heritage: The artifacts and findings from Hagios Onouphrios are displayed in various museums, including the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. These artifacts provide valuable educational resources and help to promote the cultural heritage of Crete.

Summary

Hagios Onouphrios is a significant archaeological site near Phaistos in southern Crete, known for its Early Minoan settlement and cemetery. The site includes residential structures, a cemetery with various types of tombs, and distinctive pottery known as Hagios Onouphrios Ware. These discoveries provide valuable insights into the architecture, burial practices, and social organization of the Early Minoan period. The site's proximity to Phaistos suggests regional interaction and administrative connections. Today, Hagios Onouphrios remains an important focus of archaeological research and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Crete.

Sources

Matz, Friedrich - Crete and early Greece, the prelude to Greek art- 1962.