Guide to the Dorian City of Lato, Crete, Greece

Surrounding Area - Hills, Valleys and Forbidding Terrain

One of the main reasons for occupation at the site through the ages was its easily defensible position. The city sits on a 'saddle' in effect, the high ridge between two even higher peaks which sit to the North and South. To the East the ground drops away sharply as it forms a valley heading down to the sea and to the West the land falls away to the plains below. Any attempted attack on such a formidable location would not have been for the fainthearted.

^ View out to the sea from the Exedra near the Agora ^

^ View out to the sea showing Northern cliff faces to left of picture ^

^ View of the terrain to the South East of Lato ^

^ The terrain one would have to tackle approaching the city from the East ^

^ Looking to the West - Mountains and Valleys ^

^ Looking down to the City and the valleys to the West below ^

^ View out to the sea ^

^ Steep slopes to the West of Lato's main gate ^

Click on the appropriate link to view pictures and description

Main Gate | Steps | Terraces | Shops and Workshops | Portico / Stoa | Central Cistern | Sanctuary / Temple | Agora | Exedra | Prytaneion | Houses of the Prytaneion | Temple House | Great Temple | Altar | Theatral Area |

Walls / Ramparts | Cisterns | Surrounding Area | Miscellaneous

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