Farming

Farming was intensive and bore high yields in the most fertile areas on the island, such as on the Messara Plain and in the Amari Valley. In the early 9^th century, the district of Kydonia is depicted as being an area yielding good quality, bountiful produce including grain, vegetables and wine. Byzantines and Arabs alike make frequent reference to Crete's prolific resources.

Grain was the main agricultural commodity. The island was considered self-sufficient in grain, though famine brought about by adverse weather conditions was not unknown.