Sphakia Survey: Regions

The deme, formerly eparchy (modern administrative district), of Sphakia has a large area, 466.2 sq. km.

We divided Sphakia into eight regions, from west to east, as shown in the map below. They are:

• Region 1: Trypiti Gorge - Samaria
• Region 2: Madhares
• Region 3: Agios Ioannis - Papadhiana - Aradhena
• Region 4: Anopoli
• Region 5: Ilingas - Loutro - Livaniana
• Region 6: Khora Sphakion - Sphakiano Gorge - Mouri
• Region 7: Askyphou - Niato
• Region 8: Frangokastello

Within each of the regions we have identified individual sites. A site is a locus of human activity. The evidence collected by the Survey suggests different site functions, such as settlement; religious (cave sanctuary, temple, church); economic (bee-keeping, shepherding). We have recorded over 300 sites, ranging in date from ca 3300 B.C. to A.D. 1898, at altitudes from sea level to 2454 metres above sea level.

We also divided Sphakia into eight environmental zones.  All regions include more than one environmental zone, as seen in the table below.