Lassithi is located in the eastern part of Crete. The Prefecture of Lassithi and historical development of the county is parallel to that of the rest of Crete. Inhabited since the Neolithic Age and flourished during the Minoan period. Lasithi was occupied successively by Romans, Arabs, Venetians and Turks. During the rebellion of 1866-1869, the Lassithi plateau became the business center of eastern Crete.