# Cultural and agricultural heritage of Crete > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cultural-and-agricultural-heritage-of-crete > Updated: 2026-10-11T04:48:17.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Crete possesses a diverse cultural and natural heritage involving religious traditions, botanical history, and agricultural evolution. The island’s landscape is characterized by remote hermitages and small churches situated in rugged locations like mountain peaks and caves, reflecting a history of asceticism and ancient Minoan sacred traditions. This botanical history includes the use of Cretan dittany, an aromatic herb with healing properties documented since the Minoan era. In terms of agriculture, the island has transitioned from a diverse range of historical crops to a modern economy focused on olive oil, viticulture, and greenhouse farming. Historically, crops such as carob, wheat, barley, cotton, flax, and various legumes were essential for local nutrition, textile production, and self-sufficiency. Carob, in particular, is currently experiencing a resurgence as a raw material for syrups and flour. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-11: Crete's traditional agricultural history and forgotten crops An exploration of Crete's agricultural history, highlighting how traditional crops like carob, grains, cotton, and legumes once sustained rural economies before the rise of modern olive and greenhouse farming. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cretes-traditional-agricultural-history-and-forgotten-crops ### 2026-09-13: Crete's cultural heritage of remote hermitages and ancient herbs Crete's cultural heritage includes remote religious hermitages built in rugged landscapes and the ancient tradition of using Cretan dittany, a medicinal herb featured in popular fiction. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cretes-cultural-heritage-of-remote-hermitages-and-ancient-herbs --- Cite as: Cultural and agricultural heritage of Crete. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cultural-and-agricultural-heritage-of-crete