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| IERAPETRA |
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The city of Ierapetra was called Ierapytna in ancient times. It's location was strategic cause it was in the shortest north-to-south axis of Crete. Ierapetra with Praisos and Viannos succeeded in dominating the whole of eastern Crete and were the last cities to surrender to the Roman legions. Praisos had more power in about 300BC but Ierapytna destroyed it in 155BC. So Ierapetra became itself the city with the most land and power in all Crete. Ierapetra maintained its importance during the first Byzantine period, but was destroyed
by the Arabs. The Venetians built the fortress and harbour and recently, the castle was restored by the city. In 1647, the Turks captured the town. You can still see remnants of their occupation in the old town near the harbour, such as the remains of a Turkish fountain in front of a derelict mosque. |
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