4,000-Year-Old Eclipse Calculator Discovered in Ancient Crete

Sunday, 3 May 2026/Source: Greek Reporter/1 min read

Archaeologists excavating at Palaikastro, on the eastern coast of Crete, have uncovered evidence suggesting the ancient Minoan civilization may have developed sophisticated astronomical knowledge nearly 4,000 years ago. Researchers believe the site may have been home to an early form of portable eclipse calculation device, pointing to a level of scientific understanding previously unattributed to the Minoans. Palaikastro is an active archaeological site located near Sitia, roughly 130 kilometers east of Heraklion. Visitors can access the area by car along the E75 highway. The nearby Palaikastro village and Kouremenos beach make it a practical stop for tourists exploring eastern Crete. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses significant Minoan artifacts and provides essential context for understanding findings like these. Visitors interested in Minoan history are encouraged to include both sites in their itinerary.