The ancient city of Lato is one
of Crete's few non-Minoan ancient sites. Lato was one of
the most important Dorian city-states in Crete, although
it must have existed before the Dorians. It is built between two hills, at a
site easily fortified from attack but also with a splendid view over a large
area of the Mirambello Bay.
The city was named after Leto, mother of Apollo and Artemis, although the main
goddess worshipped in the city was Eileithyia, who was also depicted on the
coins cut by the city. Though the ruins are some of the best in Greece,
they are infrequently visited.
The main gate to the excavated city is to the west of the site where a
stepped road leads to the agora, or market place. On the right were once
workshops and shops. On the left, the road leads to an entrance leading to the
main part of the city. The center of the town is at the top of the hill and
from here there is a magnificent view down to Lato's ancient port, Agios
Nikolaos. The agora consists of a pentagonal building at the top of the road
between two hills. It was not only used for trade, but also for political and
cultural activities as well. Southwest of the agora lay the remains of a large
temple and seats of a theater. Near the temple is an altar where a fire burned
continuously as a sign of the continuity of the city with its past. The prytaneum
or administrative building and the nobles' dining hall are located behind the
theater area.