Mystery at 500m Altitude on Crete: 'Concentric Ruins' Discovered, Differing from Existing Minoan Styles

A mysterious stone structure at an altitude of 500m was discovered during a radar survey process for the construction of the Kastelli New Airport on Crete. This site, which drew attention as one of the top 10 discoveries of the year selected by the 2025 archaeological magazine 'Archaeology', exhibits patterns different from the previously known ruins on Crete.

The Identity of the 'Concentric Structure' Different from Existing Minoan Palaces

Eurasian archaeologist Kang In-uk explained in the video that this site has a structure unrelated to the standardized palace styles of the existing Minoan civilization. While typical Minoan ruins distributed across the north and south of Crete possess a regularity that allows one to identify them as Minoan palaces just by looking at the architectural style, the newly discovered ruins are characterized by being composed in a concentric form.

Traces of complex artifacts, including animal bones, appear around the ruins, and pottery of different styles used in various regions of Crete are all confirmed in one place. Regarding this, the cast members offered the estimation that it may have been a place where various communities of Crete gathered to engage in activities. Additionally, due to the nature of the circular structure located at the mountain summit, the possibility was raised that it was a facility where people gathered from all directions to perform rituals. This is explained as being in line with circular structures appearing in ruins worldwide, which embody sun worship on the ground.

From Mesopotamia's 'Eye Temple' to Korea's 'shield-shaped bronze artifact'

The video continued with discussions regarding ancient buildings whose identities remain unknown. The 'Tell Brak' ruins in the Mesopotamia region, which appear to have been completed around 3,500 BC, are called the 'Eye Temple' because the eyes of the statues are heavily emphasized. This site was mentioned as an important point that could change the existing theory that the Sumer civilization spread from south to north. In particular, it was also mentioned that the person in charge of the excavation in this region was Max Mallowan, the husband of Agatha Christie.

In the discussion regarding Korean artifacts, Cheomseongdae Observatory and Bronze Age artifacts were covered. The cast mentioned that while Cheomseongdae Observatory is a highly complete structure reaching 9m in height, various views exist regarding its use as an observatory. Furthermore, they stated that the 'shield-shaped bronze artifact', one of Korea's Bronze Age artifacts, is large and beautiful, but its use—whether it was attached to a shoulder or was a scabbard—remains a mystery that has not been solved for 80 years.

Persian Expansion and the Response of Greek Cities

In a historical context, the relationship between Persian expansion and Greece was addressed. It was explained that as Persia expanded its power starting from the era of Cyrus and advanced toward the west of the Anatolian Peninsula, conflict with Greek colonial cities became inevitable. To the early Greeks, Persia was an object of terror and fear, but according to records, it is said that Persia also showed a gentlemanly side when attempting compromises.

When a rebellion occurred in the Ionia region around 493 BC, cities that lacked power requested help from Athens and Sparta. The historical situation was presented where Sparta, being reluctant to go abroad, refused the request, whereas Athens responded by recognizing them as allies.