Armeni - Late Minoan necropolis

In 1969, the Museum of Rethymno received two Minoan vases from two students, which came from the Armeni area. During the investigation of the site, the burial chambers of the Late Minoan cemetery, carved into the soft rock, were discovered. Since then, systematic excavations have taken place at the site. To date, more than 220 graves have been uncovered. The tombs date from about 1390 to 1190 BC.

The chambers are approached by entrance passages, or "dromos", which start at ground level and descend to the entrance of the tomb. The tombs are not identical, with some having ramps while others have stairs. The entrances were originally covered by a large stone, which is usually still next to the entrance. Several of the larger tombs have a pillar in the center of the chamber. One tomb's walls are lined with stone benches cut directly from the rock. Over 500 skeletons have been excavated