The Messara Plain or simply Messara ( Greek : Μεσσαρά ) is an alluvial plain in southern Crete , stretching about 50 km west-to-east and 7 km north-to-south, making it the largest plain in Crete.
2-414: On a hill at its west end are the ruins of Phaistos and Hagia Triada , near the middle are the ruins of the ancient city of Gortys . Since 1500 BC the plain has extended by up to 6 km due to a buildup of alluvial sediment . Clays from Messara have been found to be the source of significant amounts of Minoan pottery ; soil and rock types from the fringes of Messara, particularly the foothills of
4-726: The Asterousia Mountains at the south and the foothills to the north within the Psiloritis Mountains . In the Messara, olive trees , vineyards and horticultural crops are grown. Part of the products grown here are placed on the domestic market. Α substantial part of the produced olive oil is then exported to European markets. The Messara Plain is also home to the indigenous Messara horse . 35°02′14″N 24°50′46″E / 35.03722°N 24.84611°E / 35.03722; 24.84611 This Crete location article
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