As part of your program Ministry of Culture for the implementation of projects to prevent and deal with their phenomena Climate Changeat the main archaeological sites, projects were launched flood protectionapprox. budget 3,500,000 eurosfor archaeological site of the Minoan Palace of Malia.
All necessary studies have been completed – geotechnical, geological, hydrological, hydraulic, special architectural and static studies – and the project is in the bidding phase. The problems encountered at the archaeological site, in terms of its anti-flood protection, are related to the drainage of water from the surrounding area through the archaeological site, the lack of an organized drainage system, the difficulty in draining rainwater from the roofs, since the gutters do not work properly and the stagnant water raises the question of the static suitability of the roofs.
The Minister of Culture Lina Mendonisaid: “For five years, at the Ministry of Culture, we have been working systematically, methodically and in collaboration with academic institutions in our country to protect, prevent and shield archaeological sites and monuments from extreme phenomena caused by Climate Change. And this is in addition to the development and preparation of the National Strategic Plan to deal with the effects of climate change on our cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. Among the projects carried out by our services at large archaeological sites, with high traffic and with a significant impact on local development, is the flood protection project for the Minoan palace of Malia, which is vulnerable to flooding due to the heavy rains that periodically affect the area. The flood protection project involves the construction of an extensive network of drainage ditches around the perimeter of all covered areas, to drain rain from the roofs, but also the construction of a general drainage network to conduct rain away from the archaeological site. The completion of the necessary studies now allows us to move forward with the construction of the flood protection project, with the construction of an extensive drainage network and the replacement of damaged coverings with new, highly durable ones, in order to make the archaeological site more resistant to the very intense and heavy rains that have been affecting the area in recent years.”
The special architectural study aimed to design the rainwater drainage system and the accompanying works on the existing canopies and surrounding areas. At the same time, the design of the rainwater drainage system is harmonized with the overall design of the visitor route in the area. The visitor routes are combined with the construction of rest areas with seating areas and information panels. At the same time, access to Disabled with the construction of a ramp.
Excavations at the Minoan palace in Malia began in 1915 by the Ephorate of Crete. In 1921, collaboration with French School of Archaeologywho excavated the Chrysolakkos building complex. Pottery has been found in the area since the 3rd millennium BC, but systematic habitation of the area dates back to between 2450-2200 BC. Around 1700 BC, the palace of Malia was destroyed by a strong earthquake and subsequent fire. After the disaster, attempts were made to rebuild it in its early Neopalatial period (1700-1430 BC). But in 1530 BC the palace was destroyed again, probably by an earthquake.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Diligence:George Koulouvaris
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