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Gortyn 112 pictures 9.30 minutes HQ video Gortyn, founded by Laconi of Amyklai in the Geometric age, flourished from the 5^th century B.C. until its hegemony over all of Crete was established (3^rd-2^nd centuries B.C.). It was the administrative capital and major economic center of the island from the Roman conquest (67 B.C.) until its destruction by the Arabs (824 A.D.). Church of St. Titus The Archaic and Classical agora has been identified by the impressive remains of the Justinian basilica of Aghios Titos that bears monograms of the emperor on its capitals. The Odeon This is a well-preserved odeon built during the Triumviral period and renovated during the reign of the Emperor Trajan. The semi-circular cavea rests on radial walls and walkways with vaulted coverings. The stage was straight with curved ends. Below the portico are curved blocks of stone on which a long text in Archaic Doric Greek known as the "Queen of Inscriptions" can still be read in full: this is the Code of Gortyna that detailed private and public rights and is the oldest and most complete collection of laws to have survived from the world of the Greeks. Temple of Apollo Pythios The temple of Apollo Pythios was the main sanctuary in Gortyn, it was built in the 7^th century B.C. Beneath the site there are remains of a Minoan building. During the Hellenistic period a vestibule with six Dorian half-columns was added to the sanctuary. The temple was converted later in the 5^th century A.D. to a Christian basilica. An Inscription A fragmentary inscription from the age of Justinian (note the lengthened sections of the letters and the letter "S" in the form of a "C") lies near the ruins of the basilica of Aghios Titos. The Praetorium The complex covers an area about 120x100 meters, and was a center of government during the Roman times. The ruins are dated from the 2^nd century A.D. The Praetorium became a monastery during the Byzantine period. Back to Crete Index