Mochlos site, Archaeological site on Agios Nikolaos islet, Greece
Mochlos is an archaeological site occupying an islet off Crete's coast that was once linked to the mainland by a thin land bridge. The site contains remains of dwellings, workshops, and burial areas spanning multiple periods of occupation.
The settlement began during the Early Bronze Age and remained inhabited for nearly 4000 years starting from early Minoan times. Seismic activity and shifts in sea levels eventually submerged the land bridge that once connected the islet to the mainland.
The settlement thrived as a trading hub where metalworking was central to daily life and commerce. Visitors can observe how artisans shaped gold and other metals into objects that reveal the community's economic priorities and skill.
The site is only accessible by boat from a nearby harbor and is best visited during calm weather conditions. Paths can be uneven, so sturdy shoes are advisable and bringing water is important given the exposed coastal setting.
The site was once home to workshops processing obsidian imported from the distant island of Milos. This reveals how far-reaching the trade networks of this ancient community actually extended.
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