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Palekastro
02/04/2007 17:05 - 10625 views
![Palekastro Palekastro](/files/1/152/palaikastro_n.jpg)
A central road divides the settlement into nine districts. The houses facing the road have imposing frontages and there was an excellent sewage system. Life here probably came to an end with the eruption of the volcano of Santorini in the 15th century BC. Another important discovery was a large temple of the Priesthood of Zeus which was one of the most well-known priesthoods in Eastern Crete. An inscription on grey limestone found in the ruins of the temple consists of a hymn to Zeus. The hymn was sung by naked young shieldbearers representing the "Kourites" who according to legend were present at the birth of Zeus at Dikteon Andron. The hymn extols the virtues of Zeus and entreats him to send happiness and fertility to those on Earth. Temple worship was probably shrouded in mystery and continued from the Geometric Period up until the Roman occupation.