The Archaeological Site of Armeni, Rethymnon

The Late Minoan cemetery of Armeni is situated between the villages of Somatas and Armeni, approximately 10 km South of Rethymnon.  Excavation started in 1969 and to date more than 200 tombs have been discovered. These tombs are spread out over an area of more than 3 hectares.  The vaulted tombs were hewn out of rock and many were used as family tombs, containing multiple burials. Numerous skeletons have been found on the site, providing researchers with a wealth of information regarding people's physical appearance and state of health during this period.  The Armeni cemetery lay undisturbed for centuries, escaping the attention of grave robbers and looters.  As a result, archaeologists have been able to uncover an impressive collection of tomb furnishings and artefacts from the site.  These include pottery, bronze vessels, tools, weapons and jewellery.  The more important findings are on display in the Archaeological museums of Rethymnon and Heraklion.  The location of the Minoan cemetery at Armeni continues to provide researchers with a mystery that has yet to be solved - as up until now archaeologists have failed to uncover evidence of a corresponding settlement to account for the presence of such a large necropolis.