Minoan villa at Makri Gialos was founded in a fertile plain, east of Ierapetra and close to the sea, controlling the agricultural production and shipping. Its wealth lies in its construction, which is the epitome of royal architecture during Late Minoan Period (1500-1450 BC).

Pyrgos settlement is founded at the same period with the neighboring Fournou Koryfi (2600-2300 BC) but habitation was longer lasting as architectural had been dated up to the Late Minoan period (1600-1450 BC).
One of the most impressive buildings have been uncovered is the two floor Tafos-Ikia, which is built on the northwest edge of the village at the beginning of the Middle Minoan period (2100-1900 BC).