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The ancient city Lyktos seems to have been built as a small distinct settlement, located one kilometer northeast of the village Lyttos (Xidas). It is situated on a hill, 656 meters above the ruins and two churches are built there, the church of the Holy Cross and the church of Saint George. It is the third most important ancient city in this part of the island, after Knossos and Gortyna.
Lyttos probably existed as a residential center until the 7th century AD, as indicated by the Late Roman facilities. The statues of Marcus Aurelius and Trajan, which have been found in Lyttos, are nowadays in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
According to the historian Polybius, Lyttos (or Lyktos) is the oldest city of Crete. It is found at 1 km northeast of the current village of Lyttos in Kastelli Municipality, and in the earliest records was named Ksidas. It is built at an altitude of 656 metres and upon the ruins two churches now stand; Timios Stavros and Agios Georgios. Lyttos took its name, according to Stephanus of Byzantium, from the high place in which it was built, on hills to the western side of the Lasithi mountains. Hesiod refers to it in Theogony as a rich country of Crete, as well as Homer, who refers to it as a well built town. It is reported by Skylakas, Stravonas and Ieroklis in Political Geography. According to the poem Theogony, by Hesiod, Rea was sent by her parents to Lyktos in order to give birth to Zeus.Lyttos was one of the most ancient colonies of Lakedaimon. The Dorian origin of Lyttos are revealed also by its newer name; Karneisopolis. It took this name - according to historian Psilakis - from the worship of the god Karneios Apollo, in whose honour fights took place, and feasts too!The Athenians are also involved in the colonization of Lyttos. According to a myth that is reported by Plutarch, Tyrrini occupied the islands of Limnos and Imbros and seized Athenian women. The children that were born were turned away by the Athenians and went to Lakedaimon. Once there they helped the Lakedaimons in the war against the Helots in 465 BC and in exchange they were granted some civil rights.However, they were soon rendered suspect and were put in prison. There, they were visited by their wives with whom they exchanged clothes and the men managed to escape wearing these female clothes while the women remained in prison. The men soon after occupied the mountain of Taygetos and roused the Helots against the Spartans.The Spartans were afraid and decided to come to an agreement with the men. They freed their wives and gave them money and ships in order to leave. They indeed left, accompanied by leaders of the Lakedaimons, and arrived in Hersonissos, the later harbour of Lyttos.It is also reported that Lyttos, often called Lyktos, took part in the Trojan war. It is also known that their leader Koiranos sacrificed himself to save Idomeneas from the arrow of Hector.Lyttos became one of the biggest and most powerful cities of Crete. It dominated the whole Eastern Crete and especially the provinces of Pediada, Merabellos, Monofatsi and Viannos. Dominating from north to west, it disputed for a long time the primacy of Knossos and for that reason was often at war with it.In 343 BC, Knossos occupied Lyttos, but with the help of the king of Sparta, Arhidamos Lyttians recuperated their town. In 220, and while Lyttos was at war with Ierapetna, modern day Ierapetra, the Knossians found the town defenseless and occupied it. They made prisoners of the women and children, burned the town and destroyed it from its foundations. Lyttians did not have the strength to rebuild their town. They were invited instead to stay in Lampa.With the help of Sparta, the town was rebuilt and became again one of the most powerful towns in Crete.They joined power with Ierapetra and Elounda, as well as with Driros, and took part in the alliance of 30 towns of Crete under the leadership of Evmenis the Second, King of Pergamos, in the 2nd Century BC.During the Roman period it fought against Metelos, which occupied it with arms. As many relics of that period indicate, Lyttos was distinguished during that period also.In the Archeological Museum of Heraklion the marble statues of Marcus Aurilius and Trajan, which were found in Lyttos, are displayed. The town of Lyttos is built on highlands with various peaks and very little level ground.The communal dinners which, according to "Dosiada the Cretan", took place in Lyttos, constitute an interesting subject of study.For its water supply, Lyttos transported water from the source of Kournias that is located between the villages Kera and Krasi, with the aqueduct sections carved out of rock. They were also using an enormous stone canal bridge, without arcs, part of which we find to the north of Kastamonitsa. This monument is very impressive, even today.Lyttos has cut different types of coins. The emblem of its coins was the eagle with its wings wide open, as well as the head of a wild boar with the word Lyttion engraved in it.After the treaty between Lyttos and Ierapytna in 113 B.C., a column was set up in the temple of Poliada Athina of Lyktos commemorating the event. Many are the discoveries that have been brought to light by archaeological exploration, such as sculptures and early relics. In 1951, a square pedestal was found with an embossed representation of a hero leading a horse and dogs dashing in the hunt for a deer. It reads: ACHILLES ACHILLEOS.In 1970, Ms. Aggeliki Lempesi excavated part of a Hellenistic residence that had been probably destroyed by the expedition of Knossos against Lyttos in 220 B.C.
Saint George in ancient Lyttos
The church of St. Georgios is situated at the highest point of the hill, in the area where the ancient city of Lyttos lies. It is a small, post-Byzantine, three-aisled church, the aisles of which are separated by arcades of two arches. Very little of the frescoes is retained inside.
Village with spectacular view, graphic little lanes, traditional kafeneia and taverns is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer where many Kritikes Vradies (Cretan evenings) are organized with local music and dance.
Church of the Holy Cross in ancient Lyttos
The small arched church of the Holy Cross is situated at the archaeological site of Lyttos, next to the church of Saint George. It has probably been built on the remains of an Early Christian church, as it is indicated by remnants that are immured in the walls of the new church.
Church of Saint George in Lyttos (Xidas)
The church of St. George is characterized by the architectural style of the arched temple and it is located near the settlement of Lyttos or Xidas. A dedicatory inscription on the west wall shows that the murals inside date from 1321. Scenes from St. George’s life and from the Gospel can be seen on the walls of the church and external glazed panels form an equilateral cross, a common decorative motif in the area.
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