Atsipades
Atsipades (Greek: Ατσιπάδες,) is an archaeological site of a Minoan peak sanctuary in western Crete. It is an open-air peak sanctuary, situated on a mountain and open to the elements. It was discovered by K. Nowicki in 1985. Location Atsipades (Greek: Ατσιπάδες,) is an archaeological site of a Minoan peak sanctuary in western Crete, located on the top of the mountain. The peak has its own specific name, Atsipades Korakias. It is an open-air peak sanctuary, situated on a mountain and open to the elements. The sanctuary isn't closed off or part of any structure with a cover or roof. The location of the sanctuary, and more specifically the view, play a significant role in the experience of those who made the journey to the top. From the top of the sanctuary, the view showed the surrounding Minoan settlements. Atsipades Korakias Atsipades Korakias is characterized by twin peaks. The autumn equinox at Astipades can be seen between the peaks. This geographical feature directly relates to the relationship between the rising sun and Minoan buildings. Votives, such as animal figurines, human figurines, and bowls, are often found in rock clefts at Astipades. Upper and lower terrace The votives were found in two distinct areas: the upper terrace in the west and the lower terrace in the east. Upper: The sanctuary makes up the east edge of the upper terrace. On the highest point of the mountain, there is a void circle found amongst a high concentration of pebbles. It is supposed that a baetyl or vessel was originally there which created this void when pebbles were placed or thrown there. The pebbles came from a neighboring river in the valley where the people collected the pebbles and brought them up the mountain to be used for this purpose. This location is also characterised by a cliff. The upper terrace had a good view of the surrounding area but the peak blocked the view of the closest settlements. The rock clefts that are below the drop from the upper terrace play a significant role in the sanctuary, more specifically the votive offerings and rituals that occurred. Sixty percent of the votive offerings at this sanctuary were found in the clefts. From this, the archeologist Alan Peatfield was able to categorize it as the main location where votive offerings occurred at Atsipades, and thus a main part of the ritualistic practices that occurred at the sanctuary. Lower: The lower terrace is a flat open area with a better view of the closest settlements to Atsipades than the upper terrace. The sanctuary makes up a large portion of this terrace. Similarly to the upper terrace, votives and other pottery were found in the rock clefts of this terrace during excavation. History Atsipades is located above the village Atsipades, Agios Vasilios. It was discovered by K. Nowicki in 1985. In 1986 it was classified as a peak sanctuary and in 1989, it was excavated by Alan Peatfield. The sanctuary was used by Minoans during a