Situated on what may have been an ancient Minoan route from Knossos to the Messara plain, the site provides significant insights into the Minoan civilization. It was originally constructed around 1580 BCE during the Late Minoan IA period. The site sustained severe damage around 1550 BCE, likely due to an earthquake, and was partially rebuilt as a farmhouse and industrial center. Excavated by Spyridon Marinatos between 1949 and 1956, Vathypetro’s remains were reconstructed with the intention of establishing a museum, though this reconstruction has made it difficult for archaeologists to fully understand the site’s original structure.

The complex consists of several buildings, courtyards and workshop spaces. The structural features suggest a focus on farming, olive oil, and wine production, with remains of an ancient wine press and olive oil processing facilities, making it one of the earliest known examples of these types of installations. Interestingly enough, the the Minoan period winepress, a plant for the production of olive, a Minoan kiln and ceramics, and the remains of an ancient pottery workshop were built next a cluster of individual houses.

The initial purpose of Vathypetro seems to have been multifaceted, with roles in administration, ritual, residence, and storage. Following the destruction around 1550 BCE, the complex shifted to domestic, agricultural, and industrial production. Some scholars, including Sinclair Hood, have speculated that Vathypetro may have served as a summer residence for the King of Archanes, similar to the summer palaces proposed at Agia Triada for the King of Phaistos and at Archanes for the King of Knossos. However, this idea has lost favor, and Vathypetro may instead have functioned as a manor with its own domestic shrines.

circa 1600–1400 BCE

The Vathypetro complex, spread over three hills, appears to have been the central building in the area, notable for its distinctive ashlar masonry. The site consists of two main buildings separated by a narrow corridor, oriented north-south. The west building, constructed with ashlar masonry, includes characteristic palatial features such as orientation, porticos, light wells, a west-facing façade, halls, a possible lustral basin, pillar crypts, magazines, and a courtyard. The wine press, a later addition, is now located where the pillared-crypt would have been. Room 24, originally a Minoan Hall, was later divided and repurposed for pottery production, evidenced by pottery wheels found within.

Originally, access to the complex would have been from the west, via a paved street leading uphill to the entrance courtyard. Visitors would pass through several rooms, a niche with a bench, and the ashlar façade of the pillar magazine before reaching the main entrance. In later stages, large thresholds and additional features were introduced in both buildings.

circa 1600–1400 BCE

The Vathypetro complex appears to have been a center for various agricultural and industrial activities. It contains areas designated for wine production, olive pressing, and textile manufacturing. Excavations revealed a potter’s kiln, loom weights, pithoi (large storage containers), and three separate areas with olive presses. A finely paved area may have been used for storage, supporting the complex’s function as an agricultural hub.

circa 1600–1400 BCE

Excavations revealed brightly painted plaster fragments, carved stone lamps, a bronze idol, a bronze vessel fragment, gold leaf remnants, and seals. Additional modifications, such as the addition of large thresholds in the west building, suggest a second phase of construction. This phase involved reconstruction of damaged areas, repurposing rooms for new functions, and introducing a temenos wall to restrict access to the tripartite shrine, which became more secluded.

circa 1600–1400 BCE

Winepress

circa 1600–1400 BCE

Tripartite Shrine
A potential tripartite shrine, identified by Marinatos, has been found at Vathypetro, with its northern niche precisely aligned with the spring and autumn equinoxes. This alignment suggests a link between religious rituals and agricultural activities, as such alignments could have symbolized the connection between worship and the agricultural cycle. While Marinatos believed it to be a true architectural example of a tripartite shrine, this interpretation is debated among archaeologists, as tripartite shrines are mostly known from frescoes rather than existing structures.