New archaeological finds on Crete have enabled researchers to delve into the history of ancient Greece.

Archaeology Magazine reports that the tombs of several high priestesses, who are believed to have ruled during the "dark ages of Greece", have been uncovered on the island

Described as "unprecedented" discoveries, the remains were found in three jars and all the women are believed to have been related.

The findings were made in Eleutherna, Crete, and previous excavations by director of the project Professor Stampolidis and his team have revealed that the people who lived in the town were extremely powerful around the ninth century BC.

"Over the years, stunning finds have come to light, ranging from exquisite bronze vessels to the fragile skeleton of a dog that accompanied its master to the other side," the news provider explained.

2010 has already been a strong year for archaeology as a number of discoveries have been made across the globe.

In Egypt, a temple dedicated to the cat goddess Bastest, the tomb of an ancient queen and the head of a 3,000-year-old statue have all already been uncovered.