Leben, Archaeological site and sanctuary in southern Crete, Greece.
Leben is an archaeological site on the southern coast of Crete with remains of temples, altars, and structures from ancient times. The ruins spread across the ground near the modern village of Lentas and reveal how an ancient port town was laid out.
The site developed as a port town and harbor serving ancient Gortyna, playing a key role in maritime trade and communication. This connection to the inland settlement made it a strategic point for the movement of goods and people across the region.
The temple of Asclepius drew visitors from across the ancient world who sought healing and relief from illness. The sanctuary functioned as a destination for those pursuing medical care and spiritual renewal.
The site sits along the coast near Lentas and can be explored on foot, though sturdy shoes are helpful for walking on uneven ground. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for visiting, as the location gets significant sun exposure.
The site appears on the Peutinger Table, an ancient Roman map, under the name Ledena. This appearance on such a map shows that the location was important enough to be recorded in one of the earliest known maps of the world.
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