Syvritos was acity-state that flourished in Antiquity. It was located on Kefala hill, which dominates the landscape in the northern part of the Municipality of Amari, west of Thronos village. The advantageous, naturally secure location of the city gave it control over every transaction handled between the northern and the southern part of the region of Rethymnon.
Due to the steep incline of the area, Syvritos was built on terraces. Its territory extended as far as the current Municipalities of Amari and Agios Vassilios. Ancient Soulia, the port of Syvritos, was located at today’s Agia Galini village, on the shore of the Libyan Sea. Syvritos still existed during the Second Byzantine period, and it lasted until the early years of the Venetian rule.
Among the most remarkable finds from the excavations conducted in the area are silver coins; they manifest the power possessed by the city in the Roman period, during which it was privileged enough to enjoy independence. These coins can be seen today in the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon.
