The Roman Odeon of the ancient city of Gortyna (Gortys), to the south of Heraklion prefecture, Crete, Greece
During the Roman period, Gortys (Gortyna) was was the capital of Crete and reached the peak of its glory reaching a population of around people. Gortys was the first city in Crete that adopted Christianity. The city was destroyed in 828 AD by Arabs. Parts of the Roman settlement, such as the theater (2nd century AD), have been unearthed during excavations. The theater has two entrances and a half-circular orchestra the outline of which can still be seen today. Behind the Roman theater you can see the so-called "Queen of the Inscriptions", the "Gortyn Law Code" .These inscriptions are the laws of the city of Gortys (6th- 5th century BC) and formed the basis for modern Greek legislation. The laws are inscribed, in the Dorian dialect, on large stone slabs and are still plainly visible. According to Greek legend, Zeus married Europa under the plane tree in Gortyna; thus this tree was permitted to remain forever green. Close to Gortyna, you can also see the ancient MInoan palace of Festos (or "Phaistos") and the famous beach of Matala.
Size: 5616px × 3744px
Location: Gortyna (or "Gortys"), Heraklion prefecture, Crete, Greece, Europe
Photo credit: © Hercules Milas / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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