Minoan Fossils
In further investigations and studies, scientists have identified Minoan building material, pottery, and food residue infused with miniature fossilized seashells that lasted only in deep water, deposited up to 7 meters above sea level. This could have only happened by a single sweep of the tsunami.
Further Investigation
When trying to look into the disappearance of Minoans experts have compared it with the South East Asia disaster in 2004 and made assumptions based on those similarities. For example, in the 2004 disaster, the population fell by 80% which means if the Minoans experienced the same loss it would have been extremely difficult to recover from it.
What Followed Next?
After the disappearance of the Minoans dynasty, the Myceneans, from mainland Greece, took over. Since its ancient days, Crete has been passed through by many rulers. After the Myceneans, it was the Romans followed by the Byzantines then the Arabs, then taken over by the Byzantines again, then Venice and later the Ottoman Turks took over. Crete was briefly independent before reuniting with Greece in 1913.
Same Origin
Some researchers claim that Minoans and Myceneans may have the same ancestors. Examining these skeletons and their tombs will shed more light on this theory. It may reveal more about the relationship shared between these two ancient cultures and dynasties.
A Lucky Accident
Throughout all these years, most of Crete’s treasure was either looted or destroyed, which makes this incident an extremely rare and significant finding. Especially because it was just a lucky accident. Turns out the irrigation pipe in the farm leaked and that is what made the earth damp causing it to collapse when the farmer’s car drove forward. The limestone soil of the region is very strong but can be dissolved with prolonged exposure to water.
Unusual Discoveries
It is said that history lies beneath our feet. And this is especially true for Greece where the civilizations go back thousands of years. The story of this farmer proves that these historical relics can be found in unexpected places where we go about living our lives, doing our work. So the next time you come across a strange wide hole, take a look. You never know what you may find.