Ancient Mochlos, a notable ancient Minoan settlement located on the northeastern coast of Crete, offers invaluable insights into the culture, economy, and daily life of one of the earliest advanced civilizations in Europe. Archaeological evidence suggests that Mochlos was most likely inhabited from the Early Minoan period (cica 3000-2000 BCE) through the Late Minoan period (circa 1700-1470 BCE), flourishing particularly during the Neopalatial era (circa 1700–1430 BCE).

The site is characterized by its strategic maritime location, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange with other Aegean civilizations. Excavations have revealed a variety of structures, including residential buildings, workshops, and cemeteries, highlighting the town's role as a hub for artisans and merchants. Notable discoveries include well-preserved artifacts, pottery, and burial practices, which reflect the sophistication of Minoan society. Today, Mochlos stands as a key archaeological site, contributing to our understanding of Minoan culture and its influence on subsequent civilizations in the region.

circa 3000-1200 BCE

Minoan Settlement of Mochlos
The Minoan settlement of Mochlos was first explored by Richard Seager in 1908, who excavated the western end of the island and discovered a prepalatial cemetery. This initial excavation revealed tombs, pithos burials, pit graves, and two significant tombs at the island's western tip. In the 1970s, Jeffrey Soles documented the findings from Seager's work, noting that the cemetery was in use from Early Minoan I to Middle Minoan IA.

Modern excavations began in 1989 as a collaborative Greek-American project under the auspices of the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, making it one of the longest-standing partnerships in the institution's history. Co-directed by Professors Jeffrey S. Soles from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Costis Davaras from the University of Athens, the project has unearthed remains dating from 3100 BCE to the 10th century CE. Among the significant discoveries are a Minoan town from the Neopalatial period (circa 1700-1430 BCE), a Mycenaean village along with its cemetery (circa 1400-1250 BCE), and a Late Hellenistic settlement dating to the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE. More detailed information can be found on the project’s website.

In addition to the Minoan town located on the island, two buildings were excavated behind the modern village of Mochlos. These structures were identified as artisans' quarters belonging to the Minoan settlement: one dedicated to the crafting of bronze, ivory, and stone, and the other for pottery production. The Mycenaean cemetery was found situated above the artisans' quarter on the hill, while a Minoan farmhouse was uncovered at Chalinomouri, located at the far eastern end of the Mochlos plain. While some excavations are ongoing, the primary focus of the project now lies in the study and publication of the collected data.

The Minoan archaeological sites on Mochlos provide a rich tapestry of ancient life and culture. Among these sites is the EMI-MMIA cemetery located on the western part of the island, which offers insights into burial practices from the Early Minoan to Middle Minoan periods. In southern Mochlos, the EMIB-LMIB settlement reveals the habitation patterns and architectural styles during the transitional phases of Minoan society. The LMIB artisans' quarters near Mochlos highlight specialized production activities, showcasing the crafting of pottery, bronze, ivory, and stone, essential to the Minoan economy.

Additionally, the LMIB building at Chalinomouri on the eastern end of Mochlos represents a Minoan farmhouse, illustrating the agricultural lifestyle and domestic architecture of the time. The LMIII settlement and LMIII cemetery further contribute to the understanding of the Late Minoan period, emphasizing the continuity and evolution of Minoan life into the Mycenaean era. Collectively, these sites reflect Mochlos's significance as a center of Minoan civilization, with ongoing excavations continuing to unveil new aspects of this vibrant culture, as documented in various scholarly articles and archaeological studies.