The ancient city of Aptera derives from Apteron, king of Crete who is said to have lived in the time of Moses around 1800 BC. Located on atop a hill with stunning views of Souda bay and beyond, it is an extensive archeological site nowadays. Even though the history of Aptera dates back to Minoan times, nowadays it exhibits the archeological findings of Roman times - one can appreciate Roman engineering, the mastery of water collection, truly impressive water cisterns, temple, buildings from the Byzantine period, tombs of Geometric times and a sanctuary from the 4th century. Ancient Aptera is located 12 km East from Chania.