Giannis Sakellarakis

Dr. Giannis Sakellarakis, a graduate of the University of Heidelberg, was born in Athens in 1936 and joined the archaeological service in 1963. His life's work included excavations at Archanes and the Idaean Cave, with his latest work being at Zominthos. A prolific writer, he authored books and articles on the prehistoric Aegean and Minoan Crete. For his contributions to Greek archaeology, he was awarded, alongside his wife and close collaborator, archaeologist Efi Sapouna, by the Academy of Athens and the University of Crete. In 2004, he was honored by the President of the Republic with the Gold Cross of the Order of Honor. Although not originally from Crete, his name became closely associated with archaeological research on the island and with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where he served as director. He passed away in October 2010 after a valiant battle with cancer.