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The ruins of ancient Gortyna or Gortys, one of the most important ancient metropolises in Crete, are spread over an area of about 4,000 sq. m. It is located in Messara plain, in the SE of Idi Mountain. The first human habitation dates back to the Neolithic Era. The name “Gortys“ probably derived from its founder Gortys, brother of Minos. Another version, supports its establishment by Gortys from Tegea, in Arcadian Gortynia. Also the Queen Gortyna of Crete, mother of King Taurus, could be responsible for the name. Greek Mythology is also involved in Gortys identity the myth of God Zeus and Europe and the Homer’s Odyssey.
