GREECE CRETE LASITHI ELOUNDA OLOUS

East of modern Elounda, a dam joins the mainland to the peninsula of Spinalonga (at the northern end of which lies the rocky islet Kalydon, or "Little Spinalonga"). Remains of ancient Olous are found near this dam, on the East side of which an Early Christian basilica is located.

The ancient city of Olous stood here, known mainly from inscriptions of Hellenistic times, but of which little more is known. Since then, the site has been submerged by at least 2 m due to land movements (while in the West of Crete the land has risen). Many walls can still be seen in the shallow water on either side of the isthmus.

Little has been excavated at Olous, but there are a number of interesting inscriptions. According to these, Olous had rather close relations with Rhodes, and in 200 BC, Rhodes gained control over the ports and anchorages of Olous. A boundary dispute between Olous and Lato in 117-115 BC was referred to Knossos for arbitration, but continuing quarrels led to Roman intervention.

Below: In 1897, during French occupation, a channel was dug through the dam, right through sunken Olous, to open a short route from the southern end of the harbour of Elounda to the open sea for local fishermen.