The Palaikastro Kouros in the Sitia Museum
The third largest Archaeological Museum in Crete has been in Sitia since 1984. The museum's founder is the eminent Cretan archaeologist, Nikos Papadakis. On display are finds from an extensive area around Sitia, as well as many from the palace at Zakros. The museum's collection reveals the evident prosperity and culture of the ancient city and includes a unique collection of rare clay tablets with texts in Linear A from Zakros. An impressive group of vases from a shipwreck which occurred during Roman times is displayed in a tank of salinated water for conservation purposes.
The museum is housed in a large room built around a courtyard. At the entrance there is a display showing the recent archaeological sites and the digging process.
Finds from Minoan Tombs
In the two central cases opposite there are two noteworthy finds--a stone lamp and a wreathed bull from the Old and New Palace Period Minoan tombs on Mochlos. Also in these cases are finds from the island of Psira. The most outstanding is the Marine-style stirrup jar.
Finds from Peak Sanctuaries
The next case has a collection of votive figures from the peak sanctuaries especially from Petsofas above Palaikastro.
Objects from the Palace of Zakros
Next on display is the Late Minoan wine press from the Minoan villa in Zakros.
The next cases display articles found in the palace of Zakros including a bronze saw and large pots displaying signs of the intense fire that destroyed the palace. 
Also on display are articles common to Minoan palaces that indicate their economic function; these include clay tablets with Linear A (records) and large pithari (storage). In addition, the display from the palace of Zakros shows the domestic side of the palace with a variety of cooking and eating utensils. The articles for the cult practices are also displayed and include the horns of consecration, double axes, and kernoi (round tables used for offerings).
Minoan rhyton decorated with the bull's horn motive
Minoan Finds
Next, in the cases along the wall, are finds from Old and New Palace Period Minoan sites, such as Palaikastro. They include bronze objects, stone horns of consecration, and a four- cupped vase. Also along the wall is a case with Postpalatial pottery found in the Sitia area.
Photos of Archaeological Museum of Sitia:
Visit the area of the sight: Sitia
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