Listed 100 (total found 121) sub titles with search on: Archaeological sites for wider area of: "SOUTH AEGEAN Region GREECE" .
EGIALI (Ancient city) AMORGOS
Opposite the village Tholaria., on Vigla hill ridge, overlooking the small bay of Mikri Glyfada., was the acropolis of ancient Aegialis.The biggest sculpture of the Cycladic Age was found at this area.
KALYMNOS (Town) DODEKANISSOS
KARPATHOS (Small town) DODEKANISSOS
KARPATHOS (Ancient city) DODEKANISSOS
The hill on top of the village is called Koraki, where the acropolis of ancient Karpathos is found.
PAROS (Ancient city) KYKLADES
The hillock of the Acropolis of Parikia, on which all the sanctuaries were built, is only 10 metres above sea-level and was called "To Kastro" ever since the Duke of Paros erected his castle on the foundations of the acropolis, in 1260 A.C.
RODOS (Ancient city) DODEKANISSOS
LACHANIA (Village) NOTIA RODOS
SYMI (Small town) DODEKANISSOS
The castle was built on a rocky ridge west to the village, during the byzantine period, over the ruins of the ancient citadel. It was reinforced during the frankish conquest.
On his exterior gate, to the east, on sees the blazon of the Grand Master d' Amboise with the date 1507.
This text is cited Mar 2003 from the Hellenic Ministry of Culture URL below.
CHORA KALYMNOY (Small town) KALYMNOS
Delos was the birthplace of the God Apollo and the Goddess Artemidos,
both were children born to Zeus and Leto. According to Greek Mythology, Leto was
searching all over Greece to find a place at which she could give birth to the
God Apollo, since Hera threatened every land that would accept Leto with severe
punishments. Leto finally reached the small and infertile island of Delos (Ortygia).
The Goddess promised the island fame and wealth, which would be brought by Apollo's
followers. The island gave its consent under the condition that Leto would promise
to build her first temple in Delos. Thus, the exceptional sanctuary to Apollo
and Artemidos was built upon the island of Delos. It comprised one of the most
significant sanctuaries of ancient times, which, by the way, was a center of worship
during the Mycenaean period, prior to it being officially declared an adoration
to Apollo and Artemidos. The first excavations on Delos began in 1872 with the
excavation of the Cynthos Cave. The French Archaeology School first organized
and executed systematic excavations within the site, which to date, still continue.
The visitor that came upon the archaeological site of Delos confronted
its entire ancient city, practically, which continues to be evocative. Within
its structural land plan, the visitor reincarnates the course and the way of life
that was, once upon a time, natural and vivid. The significant structures include
Apollo's Sanctuary although many others are scattered across the area surrounding
the Sacred Lake, the Mount Cynthos and the neighborhood surrounding the Theatre.
The following structures surround the Temple of Apollo or are in the direction
of the Temple: House of Naxians, Colonnade of Naxians, Competaliasts Agora and
the Delians, the Stoa of Antigonos and Phillip, the Sacred Way, Dionysus' Sanctuary,
the Keraton, the first and second Tombs of the Hyberborean Maidens, Taurus Monument.
Surrounding the area of the Sacred Lake are : the Hellenistic Houses of Diadoumenos,
Actors, the Tritons, the Hill, the Lake, Theophrastos' Agora and the Italians'
Agora, the Hypostyle Hall, the Palaestra, the Lions' Terrace, the Institution
of the Poseidoniasts. Included within the Mount Cynthos area and the Theatre's
neighborhood are: the Theatre, the Serapeion, Aphrodite's Sanctuary, the Kaveirion,
the House of Dolphins, the Masks, the Triaina, Cleopatra, Dionysus, Hermes, the
Terrace of Foreign Gods, the Heraion.
The Temple of Apollo is the last and the largest Temple of the three
preceding temples. Its construction began by the Delians in 477 B.C., at approximately
the same period that the Athenian Confederacy (League) with Delos was established.
Its construction was interrupted when the Confederacy's Treasury was sent to Athens.
The three Temple's ruins, which all maintained a western orientation facing the
West are still preserved to date. The oldest of the three (dated 6th century B.C.)
was built from limestone and contained a pronaos and Cella. An ancient statue
of Apollo was contained within that was the work of Teuktaios and Aggelion. Athenians
constructed the Temple that is located in the center between 425 - 417 B.C. Behind
the three temples is a series of five structures (Treasuries) that were probably
Houses. The Temple of Artemidos is located near the Temple of Apollo. It was built
in 179 B.C. in the place of a preceding temple, which was constructed in the 7th
century B.C. This is confirmed by the collection of objects found on its northeast
side. The Temple's boundaries are determined by a hypothetical surrounding wall
whilst the north and east sides are enclosed by an Ionic colonnade.
This text is cited May 2003 from the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs URL below.
PAROS (Ancient city) KYKLADES
In 1899, Otto Rubensohn discovered, to the north of the gulf of Parikia and at the top of Vigla, the Temple where the Apollo of Delion was worshipped. This temple, called Delion, had close ties with Delos and Naxos. It also housed the shrine of Apollo's sister Artemis and of their mother Leto.
Contemporary archeologists (a.o. M. Zafiropoulos), uncovered the site around the temple by demolishing the walls, thereby finding 41 objects, which were brought to the Archeological Museum of Paros.
A Cycladic Cemetery with considerable finds (Cycladic figurines etc.) was also uncovered on the site of the Delion.
The ancient site used to be the ancient port of the island, where many tombs were excavated.
IKONOMOU (Isolated island) PAROS
MEGALO CHORIO (Village) SERIFOS
NISYROS (Port) DODEKANISSOS
ZAGORA (Cape) ANDROS
Zagora peninsula is accessible after a 45 minutes walk, following the path starting from Stavropeda. The path is signed and the route is very interesting. The ancient settlement of Zagora is situated on the steep plateau (height 160m.) of the peninsula. The excavations, which took place between 1960 and 1972, brought into light a big part of it. The settlement has been alive from 10th century B.C. till the end of the 8th. It was protected by a strong wall, 110m long and 2-4.80m wide, while its height reached 3m. The entrance was through a large gate. Inside the settlement there is a sanctuary, established in 8th century B.C. and functioning till classical age, regardless the settlement was abandoned three centuries earlier. The houses were made of schist and the roofs covered with mud. They are usually constituted of a large rectangular room, with a fireplace in the center, with a separate storage room having supports made of stone for storing clay jars and stable with a yard. It is worth noticing that the same technique was still in use for building farmhouses till the beginning of 20th century. The findings of the excavations, as well as a representation of a house and the sanctuary, are exhibited at Andros Archeological Museum
This text is cited Feb 2003 from the Municipality of Korthi URL below, which contains image.
APOLAKIA (Village) NOTIA RODOS
At Korkoelia location
KALYMNOS (Town) DODEKANISSOS
NAOUSSA (Village) PAROS
Plastiras area
PANORMOS (Village) TINOS
These archeological finds are located a short way above the monastery of "Kyra Xeni".
In Agios Panteleimon, almost side by side to the ruins of an important temple, six coffins of the Roman Period were uncovered. They are part of a necropolis. The graves were made of ornate marble slabs
AGIA THEODOTI (Village) IOS
Ruins of a Hellenistic era tower.
ARKESSINI (Ancient city) AMORGOS
In Arkesini, South Amorgos, the most important ancient monument can be seen. Even though the tower is half ruined it still dominates the plain standing beside the church of the same name.Built in the 4th century B.C.from large four cornered blocks, it protected the large rural population and the fertile expanses of the area, as it had small windows, a water cisternand a plumbing system
SIFNOS (Island) KYKLADES
Fifty-five ancient towers are located in various sites around the
island. The most ancient ones were built during the 6th century and the most recent
during the 3rd century b.C.
Most of the towers are now difficult to discern. Aspros Pirgos, alongside
of the road to Plati Yialos is preserved in a good state.The towers were built
after the evasion of the Samians and served the purpose of sending signals to
the ancient acropolises.
Later, the network developed and the signal exchange systems expanded
to the entire island. The method of communication, as referred to in Thoukidides,
must have been smoke and fire.
At a later stage, the towers served also as protective buildings for
women and children, with full agricultural equipment, cisterns and warehouses,
while the strongest ones were trying to hold back the pirates.
This text is cited September 2004 from the Municipality of Sifnos URL below, which contains images
AKROTIRI (Village) SANTORINI
Akrotiri's most significant contribution to our knowledge of the prehistoric
Aegean and Europe in general is its monumental graphic art. The wall-paintings
of Thera constitute the earliest examples of large-scale painting in Greece and
enrich inestimably the history of European art. Their technique is not that of
fresco, for which reason it is not correct to use this term. It seems that the
artist began painting when the plaster was still quite fresh on the walls. He
did not, however, take care to maintain this wet condition. So the wall gradually
dried and the painting was finally made on an entirely dry surface. This is why
the colour often flakes if the modern technician does not manage to fix it with
chemicals. Wherever the painting was made on a wet surface the colour has seeped
in and does not flake.
The plaster on the wall destined to be painted was rubbed whilst
still wet, so that its surface became smooth for the artist's paint brush. This
smoothing seems to have been effected using special sea pebbles. Hundreds of these
pebbles with one or two flat surfaces from the rubbing have been found amidst
the ruins of Akrotiri. The colours which the prehistoric Theran artists used were
red, black, yellow, blue and cream. The latter was usually used as a background.
With these colours the artist painted diverse surfaces both in shape and dimensions.
One of the principal characteristics of the art of Akrotiri is that
the artist had complete command of the space in which he moved unhesitatingly.
He infallibly selected a subject suitable for filling the surface offered by the
arrangement of the area. Door and window jambs, small surfaces of wall between
two such openings, zones which are of necessity created for the opening of cupboards
or windows and finally large expanses of wall, always bear the composition best
suited to their shape and size. A representation of a pithos plant pot with lily
adorned the jambs of the window in the West House. Again in the West House, a
door jamb was apparently decorated by the so-called "Young Priestess." The narrow
surface between the window and the NE corner of Room 5 in the same house was occupied
by the famous Fisherman while another similar painting was depicted in a corresponding
position diagonally opposite. Such a surface--between the two doors--was covered
by the wall-painting of the Boxing Children in the upper story of Room B1. In
Room 5 of the West House the narrow strip of wall under the windows was painted
as an imitation marble dado whilst the zone high above the windows was decorated
with the Frieze of Miniatures. The Frieze with the Monkeys from Xeste 3 must have
been a similar case. But the artists of Akrotiri were not afraid to paint whole
blank walls. The grand composition with the Monkeys was discovered in Room B6,
while three of the four walls of Room 2 were completely covered with the wall-painting
of the Lilies. From the homonymous house came the wall-paintings of the Ladies.
Finally, from Xeste 3 comes an enormous composition of Women Gathering Crocuses.
Even though the character of the wall-paintings from Thera is Minoan,
there is an apparent independence of the artist from the conventions of Cretan
art. Freedom in conception, freedom in design, freedom in composition, freedom
in movement are the characteristics of the Theran wall-paintings. Men, animals,
plants are rendered with such conviction that it borders on naturalism. Purely
decorative subjects rival the pictorial scenes in variety and perfection. These
too were employed to cover all kinds of surfaces. Rosettes, often combined with
rhomboid motifs were also painted on large surfaces, as is the case in Xeste 3.
The ivy branch is an ideal motif for framing the Antelopes from Room B1. The "starry
sky" harmoniously covers the ladies from the Room of the Ladies. In Room 5 of
the West House the "marble" dado underneath the windows is a well-chosen architectural
element. The pithoi plant pots on the jambs of the window and the "cabins" on
the walls of Room 4, again in the West House, are examples of the inventive imagination
of the artists.
Even greater and more impressive is the diversity exhibited by the
narrative scenes. Such is the artist's predilection for variety that he even makes
the landscape narrative through the insertion of some animals. The rocky terrain
with lilies is fixed in time by the presence of the swallows flirting and flying
in daring formations. There must have been some reason why the Monkeys in Room
B6 scrambled hastily upon the rocks. The Landscape with the River and Subtropical
Vegetation from Room 5 of the West House is further enlivened by the presence
of wild or mythical beasts. A wild duck flies to the left, while on the right
bank of the river, almost in flying gallop, a goat runs to the right. Both seem
to have rushed startled from a cluster of palm trees. From the other, the left
bank of the river, a griffin flies to the right in a flying gallop, while a wild
cat stalks the unsuspecting wild ducks sitting on the river's edge. All this movement,
all this activity indicates the artist's intention not merely to paint a landscape
but a wild landscape, far away, yet full of life. The same ruggedness of nature
is to be seen in the landscape above the left city in the Miniature of the Fleet.
In the wood three terrified deer flee the predatory claws of the lion which pursues
them.
In the narrow Frieze from Xeste 3 the narrative is even more vivid.
In a landscape, again rocky, full of crocuses, swallows fly to their nests bearing
food for their chicks who await with open beaks. Blue monkeys complete the scene.
These monkeys are not inert; one of them has drawn his sword and holds the scabbard
in his left hand. Another monkey clasps a harp and is perhaps the musician of
the company.
More narrative, of course, are the scenes in which humans participate.
The two Fishermen from the West House proudly display their catch, holding the
bunches of fish. The so-called Young Priestess from the same house wears a long,
heavy, perhaps woolen, chiton and holds a brazier with glowing charcoal while
sprinkling it, more than likely with incense. Perhaps she passed from room to
room censing it or perfuming the air of the house. This is why she is depicted
on a door jamb. [p. 35]
More animated is the movement displayed by the Boxing Children from
Room B1. Each wears a glove on the right hand and the children are portrayed in
a momentary phase of the game. One has already thrust his gloved hand in an attempt
to strike his opponent. He in turn avoids the blow by shielding with his bare
hand and prepares to strike his own blow with the other.
In the wall-painting of the Ladies the scene is not quite so clear
since many of the pieces are missing. Certain, however, is the movement of one
woman of a somewhat advanced age who stoops slightly to the right and offers both
her hands in an attitude which is not comprehensible. Another figure stood in
front of the bare-breasted one; unfortunately only a part of her skirt is preserved.
A third one, with her breasts covered, is illustrated in an opposite movement
towards the left. She also presents her hands but does not stoop like the first.
All these figures are drawn beneath an arch which delimits the upper surface of
the wall and is filled with stars.
The Miniatures from Room 5 of the West House are narrative too. Unfortunately
we have only fragments from the frieze of the north wall; and yet in these pieces
one can not only observe the technical dexterity of the artist but also his conception
of space and the third dimension. In one group of these pieces we have scenes
which are enacted at three different levels. On the first level, that nearest
the spectator, a rocky seashore is shown and in the sea are three naked men, apparently
drowned. At least so their unnatural attitude would suggest. Also in the water
are three rectangular shields, perhaps one from each drowned man. Only sections
of three ships are shown in the pieces which have survived: the stern of one and
the prow of the other two One prow, however, is in a strange position, reinforcing
the view that the whole scene illustrates a shipwreck, the victims of which were
the three drowned warriors. On the second plane of the painting there are warriors
who, clutching their oblong shields, long spears and wearing the characteristic
Mycenaean helmet of boar's tusks, march towards the right. The tasselled end of
their scabbard projects beyond the back of their shield. On the third plane, high
up, various scenes are taking place. Two shepherds are trying to gather their
different coloured sheep and goats into the pen which is depicted as an elliptical
fence. Two trees at the entrance to the fold ensured shade for the flock from
the summer heat whilst their trunks serve as sturdy gate-posts. Perhaps it is
midday and the shepherds are gathering the flocks into the pen to water them.
For, next to it, on the left of the entrance is a well whose presence is marked
by two upright water pitchers on top of its mouth. Some men are conversing in
front of the well while two women who have already filled their pitchers walk
away: one has balanced the jug on her head and treads lightly with arms outstretched
to keep her balance. The second, [p. 36] who comes from close by steadies the
pitcher with her hands while trying to set it on her head. The scene is not very
different from what happens today in many mountain villages where the well or
water tap is the common meeting place for the villagers. "When you go for water
my Malamo, I loiter at the tap . . ." says a folk song which aptly fits this scene
at Akrotiri.
The best preserved piece from the miniatures from the West House
is the Frieze with the Fleet. Large sailing boats are depicted sailing from one
harbour on the left to another one on the right. Much discussion has taken place
concerning this scene with opinions which differ considerably. Some maintain that
these two ports are in the Aegean where the fleet is traveling. For others, one
city is in the Aegean and the other is in Libya. Some, indeed, even identify specific
Minoan cities in this miniature painting. Regardless, however, of the opinions
of each scholar, there are certain elements which are difficult to refute. First
of all, the representation is narrative, irrespective of whether it portrays a
specific event or not. It states clearly that the ships depart from one city on
the left and arrive at the harbour of the other on the right. The architecture
in both towns resembles that we find in the excavation: multi-storeyed buildings
built of ashlar blocks and at different levels. The Minoan character of the town
on the right is further emphasized by the "horns of consecration" which crown
one of the buildings. These elements, however, are not sufficient to support the
view that specific towns are illustrated. For even if the artist wanted to draw
imaginary places he would incorporate elements with which he was familiar. The
scene, however, has a festive flavour. This is evidenced by the bunting on the
large boat, the "Admiral's" and confirmed by the numerous dolphins which frolic
along the route of the craft. The inhabitants of the left township bid farewell
to the fleet either from the roofs of their houses, or down at the shore, or escorting
it in their little boats. At the end of the voyage the population came out to
welcome the fleet. Here too there are people on the roofs, at the water's edge
and in boats which leave the harbour to meet the fleet.
Certain other elements indicate some uniformity among the sailing
ships of this wall-painting. Firstly it would appear that the passengers on board
are warriors. They have hung their helmets on the pronged pole intended to hold
the lowered mast and lateen yards of the sails. On these same prongs the warriors
have placed their spears too. The captain is also a warrior who sits in his cabin
astern. His helmet hangs high up while his spear projects a long way behind. With
the warriors on board the boats acquire a somewhat martial aspect. Perhaps the
wild beasts which are depicted, sometimes carved on the stern and sometimes painted
on the bows of the ships, are also aimed at expressing this character. The relatively
small sailing boat, the only one depicted with sails unfurled, has a swift-flying
bird painted on its sides. Did the artist perhaps wish to show through the bird
that the ship is a fast-sailing one? [the messenger boat of the fleet?] It is,
anyway, the only boat with two paddles at the stern end, essential for controlling
the movements of a fast boat. Each paddle is operated by a paddler.
All the above elements [the single direction of the fleet, the martial
[p. 38] character of the ships, the messenger vessel] bolster the opinion that
the boats comprise a specific unity, in which case the whole scene may perhaps
refer to a particular event. However, in addition to its narrative character this
wall-painting is also a rich source of unique information. For, apart from information
concerning the architecture, the fauna and flora and the people's apparel, we
have for the first time information concerning the art of ship-building in the
prehistoric Aegean, as well as the manner in which the various parts of the boat
operated [raised masts, sails, paddles, oars, cabins, etc.] Also we gain, indirectly,
an idea of the dimensions of the ship. This is the first time we have representations
of prehistoric ships in a scale which permits the rendering of such details. A
most significant piece of information of historical importance is the armoury
depicted on the boats. Not so much the shields and spears as the helmets, make
us wonder whether the warriors who were using them were not Mycenaeans. Boar's
tusk helmets are usually counted among the accessories of the Mycenaean armoury.
If, however, the warriors in the miniatures of Thera are Mycenaeans then certainly
many of our views on the prehistory of the Aegean around the middle of the 2nd
millennium B.C. will have to be revised. The fact that Mycenaean warriors could
come, even in paintings, so close to Crete means that even in the 16th century
B.C. Crete had begun to lose some of her power and sovereignty in the Eastern
Mediterranean.
The realism which characterizes the wall-paintings of Santorini,
in addition to the diverse information it provides, also verifies that the artists--for
many artists worked at Akrotiri--did not paint abstractly. They depicted specific
personal experiences. Perhaps they themselves had travelled to other lands. Thus
it was not difficult for them to paint convincingly not only the immediate environment
but also exotic animals such as the antelopes. monkeys, lions, wild cats, deer
etc. [p. 39]
External Relations
Even though we have no tangible indications of the external relations
of Akrotiri we are able to infer these. The prosperity which the ruins reveal,
the large luxurious buildings, could not be attributed to the sources of wealth
on the island. The wealth, therefore, must have been derived from elsewhere.
The first, nearest and most important place with which Akrotiri had
close connections was Crete. This is evidenced both by the imported Minoan products
[pottery, stone vessels etc.] and the Minoan character of the art. Perhaps a section
of the population, albeit small, which lived at Akrotiri was Cretan. There are
also indications [mainly through the pottery] of communications between Thera
and Mainland Greece.
Two rhytons of ostrich-egg shells and faience bear witness to relations
with Egypt, even if these were indirect. Further evidence of these contacts are
the wall-paintings showing monkeys. The species of monkey portrayed at Akrotiri,
Cercopithecus, is indigenous to Ethiopia and has diffused throughout the Mediterranean
via Egypt. The Syrian amphora, which was probably not brought empty, is further
evidence of relations with the Eastern Mediterranean.
Of course, we cannot as yet demonstrate that the Therans themselves
journeyed to these far-off lands. However, the miniature "fresco" of the fleet
obliges us not to dismiss this possibility. [p. 56]
The island of Santorini casts a magic spell on those who visit it
whatever their interests or preferences may be. The specialised geologist will
find in the walls of the caldera a unique stratigraphical museum of volcanic provenance.
The vulcanologist and the curious find interest in the dormant volcano. The archaeologist,
the archaeophile and art lovers in general cannot but admire the archaeological
wealth of the island which spans virtaully the entire cultural history of the
Aegean . . . .
Geography and Geology
Santorini is located in the southern part of the Aegan and is the
southernmost island of the Cyclades. Its surface area is 73 sq. km. and its population,
distributed among thirteen vilages, just exceeds six thousand souls. . . . [p.
9]
Historical Outline
Even though some scholars have considered certain sherds from vases
as being Neolithic, it remains a fact that not a single certain sign has been
observed so far which confirms human presence on the island prior to the Bronze
Age. The earliest pottery found in the deepest levels of the quarries does not
seem to be older than the middle of the 3rd millennium B.C., that is belonging
to the second phase of the Early Cycladic civilization [c. 3200-2000 B.C.].
The Catastrophe and the Myth of Atlantis
This happy society of Akrotiri as we know it from its monuments had
an unhappy end. In about 1500 B.C. a terrific eruption of the volcano buried the
whole island beneath a very thick mantle of pumice and pozzuolana. The stratigraphical
observations made in the excavations give us the following picture concerning
the successive phases folloeed by the eruptive process.
Minor earth tremors first surprised the island and warned the residents
to abandon their homes. On leaving they took their valuable with them. This is
why neither victims nor precious possessions have been found in the ruins. More
serious earthquakes followed which caused considerable damage to many buildings.
Then ensued a fairly long period of quiescence during which the people plucked
up courage and returned to the settlement which, meanwhile, had suffered quite
considerable damage. Different teams set to work, some clearing away the ruins
from the streets, others demolishing shaky walls and others repairing and rebuilding
the town. It was during this phase of operations that the actual eruption commenced.
Again, however, the inhabitants had time to evacuate and were not interred within
their city. Fine pumice, about the size of rice grains, fell and created a thin
layer [2-3 cm.] over the entire island. Even though calm prevailed once again
for a considerable period, sufficient time for this layer of pumice to undergo
oxidation, the inhabitants did not return. Perhaps they had left their island
for good. A second paroxysm of the volcano brought forth more pumice, coarser
[4-5 cm. Diam.] which covered the city. This layer reaches a thickness of 50 cm.
in the area of the excavation. The next paroxysm produced a greater quantity of
pumice and of bigger size. The depth of this layer varies from 1-6 metres depending
on the distance from the volcanic crater which is estimated to have been about
10 km. north of Akrotiri. But it was the final paroxysm which was the most devastating.
The eruption was such that immense quantities of material exploded from the crater
of the volcano in the form of droplets. These solidified in the atmosphere and
fell like dust on the island creating a mantle which nowadays exceeds 30 metres
in thickness in places. Together with this dust, huge boulders of basalt were
hurled forth. Some of these boulder-bombs reached as far as Akrotiri and damaged
many houses. We find them today inside the ruins, witnesses of the destruction
they wrought. The enormous quantities of material vomited forth from the bowels
of the earth created a vast hollow. All that remained of the earth's crust collapsed
into this void forming a huge caldera whose extent exceeds 83 sq. km. Into this
void surged the sea transforming what was left of the island into islets, the
present-day Santorini, Therasia and Aspronisi. The consequences of the eruption
must have been terrific, not only for Thera but also for the whole of the Aegean
and for Crete. [p. 60] [
Doumas, Christos, Santorini, A Guide to the Island and its Archaeological
Treasures. Athens: Ekdotike Athenon S.A. 1995. [Christos Doumas is Professor of
Archaeology at the University of Athens, Director of Excavations at Akrotiri.]
Replacement of the shelter - conservation, arrangement and enhancement of the
archaeological site at Akrotiri Thera
Archaeologist - Director of the excavation: Prof. Chr. Doumas, Architect: N. Fintikakis
WebPages of Heliotopos hotel & convetion cente
PAROS (Ancient city) KYKLADES
A large portion of an ancient wall was discovered in 1990, at 300 m from the Ceramics workshop.
At the beginning of the century, German archeologists started excavations to the southwest of Parikia, on the hill of Agia Anna and on the lower part of two natural terraces which are formed by a rocky formation unusual to the island. They discovered a site where Asklepeios, God of Medecine, was worshipped.
It is a rectangular building in Doric style, erected in the 4th century B.C., 45 m long and 17 m wide. The short sides are marked by two arcades.
DELOS (Island) KYKLADES
Delos was one of the major sacred centres of the ancient mediterranean
world, but held a wider political and financial importance as well. Hence, its
public edifices, especially those in the vicinity of the Temple of Apollo, were
related to religious rather than to secular life.
The oblong archaic edifice that is identified as a Bouleuterion was
founded in the first half of the 6th century BC. The building had a bipartite
plan. The larger, southern room had two entrances and an axial row. On its outer
northwest corner an ionic column bore a votive inscription to Athena, protectress
of the city ("eis Athinan Poliada..."). Epigraphic evidence from the 3rd and 2nd
century BC suggests that in the Bouleuterion were kept copies of the assembly's
decrees.
The Ekklesiasterion was the meeting hall of the Ekklesia of Demos
(assembly of citizens). It was a big building that underwent many alterations
during the period from 5th to 2nd century BC. It comprised two adjacent rooms.
The west one had a niche in the middle of its southern wall and marble benches
running around the sides.
The Prytaneion, a rectangular edifice that housed the Prytaneis, the
executive committee of the Boule, dates back to the end of the archaic or the
beginning of the classical period. Its entrance is located on the south side.
Apart from a patio, the building included the Prytaneion proper and the archives,
both of which were provided with an individual antechamber.
This text is cited Feb 2003 from the Foundation of the Hellenic World URL below.
PAROS (Ancient city) KYKLADES
One of the most notorious archeological successes of the last years is the discovery of what probably was a large public building of Archaic times (6th century B.C.). It was used well into the post-hellenic Roman period (2nd century B.C.). This is proven by a second construction on top of the older wall.
However, the major discovery on this site consisted of the statue of the archaic Gorgon of Paros (6th century B.C.), sculpted in Parian marble, and probably part of the central frieze of an ancient temple.
Post- Hellenic - Roman period. Houses and public buildings of the post-Hellenic, Roman period, adorned with mosaic floors, came to light during work on a recent building site on Paros. These remains were incidentally uncovered when work began for a new cultural centre.
AGIA KYRIAKI (Beach) MILOS
The Melos, Aghia Kyriaki Project is a joint project: of Scottish Analytical Services for Art and Archaeology; the Department of Archaeology, University of Glasgow and Glasgow University Archaeology Research Division.
AGIOS IOANNIS (Settlement) KYTHNOS
Kythnos also played an important role in the development of early
metalworking. A significant Protocycladic (3,000 BC) site has been explored at
Skouries. Laboratory analyses confirmed that Kythnos supplied the first raw material
for making metal objects in the prehistoric Aegean, and research uncovered a copper
quarry on the Tzouli headland.
This extract is cited May 2003 from Kythnos
Association of Tourism Professionals tourist pamphlet.
PAROS (Ancient city) KYKLADES
Just opposite the port of Parikia, on the site called KRIOS, an important find has been excavated. It is an ancient building, 23 m long and 8,40 m wide, dating from the 2nd century B.C. Unfortunately, it is as yet not opened to visitors.
DELOS (Island) KYKLADES
Site: Delos
Type: Stoa
Summary: Peristyle court; directly south of the Sacred Lake.
Date: ca. 110 B.C. - 88 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan: A trapezoidal court with a two-storied colonnade on all 4 sides.
Lower story of Doric columns and upper story of Ionic pillars. Rooms, shops and
exedra surrounded court on ground level.
History:
The Agora was built by Roman and other Italian merchants who used it for conducting
business or as a club house. The surrounding rooms and exedra were added over
a period of time.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Temple
Summary: Amphiprostyle temple; in the Sanctuary of Apollo, between
the Porinos Naos and the Delian Temple of Apollo.
Date: ca. 425 B.C. - 417 B.C.
Period: Classical
Plan:
Doric amphiprostyle temple, 6 columns at the front and back, single cella
with pronaos having 4 square pillars in antis and opening west. Semi-circular
statue base in cella.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 1 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Bouleuterion
Summary: Rectangular council house; in the Sanctuary of Apollo,
between the Delian Temple of Apollo and the Neorium (Monument of the Bulls).
Date: ca. 600 B.C. - 550 B.C.
Period: Archaic
Plan:
Rectangular building divided into 2 rooms. Larger southern room divided into
2 aisles by a central colonnade. Two entrances on western side of southern room
and one on eastern side. Smaller, nearly square northern room entered from the
southern one.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 2 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Temple
Summary: Peripteral temple; located in the Sanctuary of Apollo,
south of the Athenian Temple of Apollo.
Date: ca. 477 B.C.
Period: Classical
Plan:
Doric peripteral temple, 6 x 13 columns. West opening cella with a pronaos
and an opisthodomos, both distyle in antis.
History:
Completion delayed, and temple not completed until the end of the 4th century
B.C.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 2 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Hall
Summary: Meeting place for the council; on the northwestern corner
of the Sanctuary of Apollo, east of the Thesmophorium.
Date: ca. 450 B.C. - 150 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
Two halls, both opening south.
History:
Numerous alterations and additions between the 5th century B.C. and the 2nd
century B.C. During the Roman period a small temple was erected on the same location.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Summary: House; on the western side of the Sanctuary of Apollo,
north of the Oikos of Andros.
Date: ca. 520 B.C.
Period: Archaic
Plan:
Simple rectangular room with entrance on east.
History:
This small structure is also restored as having a narrow prodomos with 2 columns
in antis. Previously known (in conjunction with the Oikos of Andros) as the Monument
of the Hexagons, from the marble decoration of the walls.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: House
Summary: House: northwest of the Sacred Lake, among the other houses
of the north quarter.
Date: ca. 200 B.C. - 150 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
Irregular rectangle, made up of several rooms arranged around a columned court.
History:
Named for a copy of a Polykleitos sculpture found there.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 2 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: House
Summary: House; near the Sacred Lake, directly to the north of the
Lake.
Date: ca. 300 B.C. - 100 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
Irregular shaped house, with irregularly shaped rooms grouped around a courtyard.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 3 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: House Summary: House; in the theater quarter to the southeast
of the theater.
Date: ca. 120 B.C. - 80 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
Large house with courtyards, and probably a colonnade on the outside northeast
corner.
History:
Walls painted to resemble marble. Mosaic pavements in 4 rooms depicting scenes
related either to Dionysos or to drama. May have served as a hostel for visiting
troops of performers.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: House
Summary: House with peristyle court; in the theater quarter on the
road of the theater.
Date: ca. 150 B.C. - 100 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
Irregularly shaped with main door on the west leading to a large central courtyard
with a Rhodian peristyle of Doric columns. Impluvium within courtyard with cistern
for rainwater beneath.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 8 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: House
Summary: House; west of the Sacred Lake and west of the houses of
the north quarter.
Date: ca. 300 B.C. - 100 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan: Nearly square, several rectangular rooms off a court with a square peristyle.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 3 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Hall
Summary: Large hall with many interior columns; located off the
northwest corner of the Sanctuary of Apollo.
Date: ca. 210 B.C. - 200 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan: Almost entirely open on the south side. Facade of 15 Doric (but fluted
as if Ionic) columns between pilasters. Interior colonnade of 44 columns, arranged
in 2 rectangles, one within the other, with a line of columns in the center (the
middle column of the line omitted). Outside rectangular colonnade was formed by
Doric columns taller than the 15 columns of the facade. Inner rectangular colonnade
of Ionic columns taller than both the outer rectangular colonnade and columns
of the facade. Hipped roof with an opaion supported by Ionic piers.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 4 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Summary: Approximately square building; to the east of the Oikos
of Andros and the Hieropoion.
Date: ca. 350 B.C.
Period: Late Classical
Plan:
Cella and pronaos.
History:
Alternative reconstructions include 12 prostyle Ionic columns and interior
colonnades, not shown in this drawing. Identified as the Keraton, a building that
housed an altar of the horns. Erected by the Athenians during the Second League.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 1 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Hall
Summary: Complex of courts and rooms; west and slightly north of
the Sacred Lake.
Date: ca. 125 B.C. - 100 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
A door on the southern side let into a short hall leading to a court with
a colonnade on its western side, opening into 4 chapels. West of the entry were
small rectangular rooms. East of the 1st court was a rectangular peristyle court
with a Doric colonnade and a cistern. On the northwest corner of the structure
and entered from the peristyle court was another court with a mosaic pavement,
probably a meeting or reunion hall. In the southeast corner were reception halls
with halls and shops below in a basement.
History:
Mixed Greek and Syrian design. Built by Syrian merchants and ship owners
from Beirut during the time when Delos was briefly the commercial center of Greece,
and used as a guild hall or club house. Baal, whom they principally worshipped,
was identified with Poseidon, hence the name, Poseidoniasts.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 6 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Stoa
Summary: L-shaped stoa; bounded the Sanctuary of Artemis (Artemision)
on the eastern side of the Sanctuary of Apollo.
Date: ca. 110 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
One-aisled, L-shaped with Ionic colonnade opening west and south. At the southern
end of the eastern wing the wall returns to create a small room.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 1 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Stoa
Summary: Stoa creating north and east sides of a court; south of
the Sanctuary of Apollo.
Date: ca. 187 B.C. - 173 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
Two-storied, L-shaped stoa opening south and west, with rooms behind the two-aisled
colonnades. Pilasters on 2nd story instead of columns.
History:
Also referred to as the Rectangular Agora. The L- Shaped Stoa, the Oblique
Stoa and the South Stoa created the sides of a court known as the Agora of the
Delians.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 1 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Hall
Summary: Small hall; east and slightly north of the Theater, directly
in front of the Samothrakeion.
Date: ca. 100 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
Rectangular hall with 2 Ionic columns in antis at the entrance which opened
to the south.
History:
A monument of Mithradates Eupater, king of Pontus, this structure had a statue
of the king and medallion portraits of his generals on the walls.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 1 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Shipshed
Summary: Oblong hall; located on the eastern side of the Sanctuary
of Apollo.
Date: ca. 300 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
Eight column hexastyle prostyle pronaos led into a long narrow cella with
a pitched ceiling and floor depressed about 0.5 meters forming a basin and creating
benches on each side. Cella had a room at the north end containing a large triangular
base. Between the main room of the cella and the small inner room were Doric half
columns engaged to each wall and 2 piers which were Doric half columns on one
side and Bull capital pilasters on the other.
History:
Probably designed to hold a trireme dedicated after a naval victory, this
building is built in the form of a shipshed. Previously called the Monument of
the Bulls because of bulls head capitals on the interior pilasters. Dinsmoor refers
to this as the Pythium (Pythion) because the small room to the north of the cella
was dedicated to the Pythian Apollo.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Stoa
Summary: Stoa; south of the Sanctuary of Apollo, south of the L-shaped
Stoa of the Agora of the Delians.
Date: ca. 250 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
One-aisled stoa opening north with Doric colonnade.
History:
The Oblique Stoa, the L- Shaped Stoa of the Agora of the Delians and the South
Stoa created the sides of a court known as the Agora of the Delians.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 1 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Hall
Summary: Rectangular building; in the Sanctuary of Apollo at the
west end of the Stoa of Antigonos.
Date: ca. 402 B.C. - 394 B.C.
Period: Late Classical
Plan:
Rectangular room opening south onto a prostyle colonnade of 8 Doric columns.
History:
Referred to in inscriptions as the Oikos or Graphe, this may have been an administrative
building. The colonnade is a later addition.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 1 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Summary: Rectangular building; on the western side of the Sanctuary
of Apollo, at the north end of the Stoa of the Naxians.
Date: ca. 520 B.C.
Period: Archaic
Plan:
Simple rectangular room with entrance on the east. Southern wall was shared
with the Stoa of the Naxians, northern wall shared with the Hieropoion.
History:
Previously known in conjunction with the Hieropoion as the Monument of the
Hexagons, from the marble decoration of the walls.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 1 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Hall
Summary: Rectangular hall with porches; on the southern side of
the Sanctuary of Apollo.
Date: ca. 575 B.C. - 560 B.C.
Period: Archaic
Plan:
Two-aisled hall with central colonnade of 8 columns, opening onto a porch
distyle in antis at the west end and onto a porch of 4 prostyle Ionic columns
at the east end.
History:
Used as a club house or guildhall. Dedicated by the Naxians to Apollo. This
building replaced an earlier three-aisled hall of the 7th century B.C, which had
an entrance on the north. Coulton and Dinsmoor claim an Ionic inner colonnade,
Zaphiropoulou believes it was Doric. The prostyle porch on the east was a later
addition.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 3 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Temple
Summary: Temple; northernmost of the 3 temples to Apollo in the
central part of the Sanctuary of Apollo.
Date: ca. 550 B.C. - 525 B.C.
Period: Archaic
Plan:
Ionic temple with cella opening west onto a distyle in antis pronaos.
History:
This temple is also reconstructed as having 2 columns or piers dividing the entry
into 3 parts and having a hexastyle prostyle Ionic porch. Erected by the Athenians,
this temple may have replaced an earlier one built by the Naxians on the same
location. Money of the Delian League was originally deposited and held in this
building.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 1 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Gate
Summary: Gate-building; on southern side of the Sanctuary of Apollo,
between the Oikos of the Naxians on the east and the Stoa of the Naxians on the
west.
Date: ca. 150 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
Prostyle, 4 Doric columns on the south. Four interior columns dividing opening
into 3 aisles. Three stepped platform.
History:
Built by the Athenians to replaced an earlier gateway.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 2 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Prytaneion
Summary: Nearly rectangular building with internal divisions; toward
the south side of the Sanctuary of Apollo, south of the Bouleuterion, west of
the Neorium.
Date: ca. 500 B.C. - 350 B.C.
Period: Classical
Plan:
On the south a prodomos with 4 Doric columns and marble benches lining the
walls, led into a marble-paved court. North of this court were 2 large rooms,
each with a prodomos. West of the entrance of the northern room, were two smaller
rooms.
History:
The large northeastern room may have been a rest house. By 166 B.C. the 2
small center rooms were dedicated to the cult of the Demos of Athens and Rome.
The Prytaneis probably met in the northwesterly chamber where there are remains
of an altar of Hestia. Small niches in the north wall may have held archives.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 3 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Temple
Summary: Small temple; located northeast, high on the slope east
of the Theater.
Date: ca. 400 B.C. - 300 B.C.
Period: Late Clas./Hell.
Plan:
A cella wider than long opened onto a pronaos with 4 Doric columns. Northeast
corner of porch blocked by the Monument of Mithradates. Southern end of porch
had 2 niches.
History:
Dedicated to the Kabeiroi, the Great Gods of Samothrace.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 3 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Stoa
Summary: Stoa; south of the Sanctuary of Apollo and west of the
Oblique Stoa and the L-shaped Stoa of the Agora of the Delians.
Date: ca. 270 B.C. - 230 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
One-aisled stoa with Doric colonnade opening west, with rooms behind. The center
room was open on both ends creating a passage to the Agora of the Delians.
History:
The South Stoa, the Oblique Stoa and L- Shaped Stoa of the Agora of the Delians
created the sides of a court known as the Agora of the Delians. Also referred
to as the Little Stoa.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Stoa
Summary: Two-aisled stoa; the north boundary of the Sanctuary of
Apollo.
Date: ca. 246 B.C. - 239 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
Two-aisled stoa opening south with Doric outer and Ionic inner colonnades
and projecting wings at either end. Along the south side, 47 Doric columns, fluted
only on the upper portion. Ionic inner colonnade of 19 columns.
History:
Identified by inscription on the entablature as built by the Macedonian ruler
Antigonos Gonatas. The stoa probably was for votive, not commercial use, since
the area in front was lined with statues and other dedications.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Stoa
Summary: Two-part stoa; south of the Sanctuary of Apollo, between
the South Stoa and the harbor.
Date: ca. 216 B.C. - 200 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
Two one-aisled stoas sharing a back wall, one simple stoa opening east, one
L- shaped stoa opening west. Eastern stoa, opening east, 16 Doric columns with
returning end walls that had 4 windows each. Western stoa, opening west, Doric
colonnade with Ionic double half columns dividing main stoa from northeast room.
History:
Eastern stoa, dated to 216-200 B.C. by dedication inscription of Philip V.
The western stoa was probably added shortly later, this dating based on inscriptions
on contemporary exedrae.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 2 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Stoa
Summary: L-shaped stoa; forming the southwest corner of the Sanctuary
of Apollo.
Date: ca. 550 B.C.
Period: Archaic
Plan:
L- shaped, one-aisled stoa with Ionic colonnade, opening north and east. North
wall shared with Oikos of Andros.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Temple
Summary: Temple; toward the northwest corner of the Sanctuary of
Apollo, south of the L-Shaped Stoa.
Date: ca. 179 B.C.
Period: Hellenistic
Plan:
East opening cella wider than long. Six prostyle Ionic columns on the eastern
side in front of prolonged antae. The temple was set on a high base.
History:
This area of the Sanctuary of Apollo is dedicated to his sister Artemis. The
Hellenistic temple replaced and incorporated the remains of a 7th century B.C.
temple which had itself been built over the remains of a Mycenaean building.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 1 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Site: Delos
Type: Temple
Summary: Temple; east of the Theater, east of Serapeion C.
Date: ca. 500 B.C.
Period: Archaic
Plan:
A cella with a distyle in antis pronaos with slender Doric columns and benches
on pronaos walls. Marble altar just south of the temple, outside the peribolos
wall.
History:
Beneath the remains of this Archaic temple are those of an early 7th century
B.C. temple. The walls of the earlier temple were of mudbrick and outer columns
were of wood on marble footings.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 4 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
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