Stylos

The Late Minoan IIIA-B (14th-13th century BCE) tholos tomb was excavated in 1961 and the dromos ten years later. The tomb lies a few kilometres northwest of the village of Stylos, next to the road towards Aptera. Both the dromos and the circular tholos chamber are lined with stones. The diameter of the tomb is 4.30 metres and its internal height is 4.80 metres. The entrance to the tomb itself stands 2.30 metres high and a relieving triangle is located above the lintel (see photos below).

The dromos is 20.80 metres long. In the middle of the dromos a shallow square pit measuring 1.10 m by 0.70 m was discovered. It is not known whether or not the pit, which had been cut into the soft rock, had been used for a burial as it was empty. From the pit to the entrance of the dromos the floor was covered with stone paving.

It also emerged that the two sides of the dromos were not of equal length. The south side was 6.30 metres longer than the north side and at a height of one extra course of stones.

Another pavement four metres long was found outside the dromos and it is thought that its purpose was to remain as a visible indication of where the dromos itself began.

As a result of looting of the tomb, only fragments of vessels were found, most of which are of exceptional quality and originate in the renowned Late Minoan workshop at Kydonia (Chania). After the Minoan period the tomb was used as a place of worship. Inside the relieving triangle cups from the archaic period were found. Similar vessels were found in the dromos as well as in disturbed layers inside the wall of the tholos chamber.

The tomb lies in an olive grove with a sign containing a few details of the area at its entrance. The key to the padlock on the gate has been left hanging on a chain so that visitors can gain access. On entering walk diagonally to your right, looking for a grass-covered hillock which is the outside of the top of the tholos tomb.