The University of Crete excavations at the ancient Eleftherna site have been conducted since 1985 under the supervision of Petros Themelis, Professor of Classical Archaeology (Sector I), of Thanassis Kalpaxis, Professor of Classical Archaeology (Sector II). Τhe archaeological excavation at the ancient Eleftherna site, West Section III (1985-), under the supervision of Nikolaos Stabolides, Professor of Classical Archaeology, started in 1985 (along with those in Sections I and II) on the West slope of Prines hill (ancient Eleftherna) and expanded onto the East slope of the Eleftherna hill as well as the quarry of Peristeres over the next few years.