Greek island to be declared an archaeological site

The 'chora' or main town on the Aegean island of Serifos is to be declared an archaeological site, according to a decision of Greece's Central Archaeological Council (KAS) that was announced on Thursday.

Serifos town - Serifos island, Cyclades [Credit: Panoramio]

The island has a rich history, featured in ancient myth and legend as the home of the hero Perseus, and has been settled since prehistoric times. Its chora, situated high on a hill overlooking the island's main harbour, is notable for its dramatic views and is classic example of traditional Cycladic architecture.

Included in the archaeological site are the town's medieval settlement, the 'Kastro' or fort, its post-Byzantine churches, a large segment of open land where mosaic floors have been discovered and the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin. Excluded from the site is the neighbourhood Lakka, where no archaeological remains have been found.www.amna.gr

In ancient times it was known as the 'Iron Island' due to its many mines and antiquities found scattered about the island date from the early proto-Cycladic period to the Byzantine era. It also served as an island of exile during Roman times.

The current chora evolved from an ancient settlement and a medieval all built on the same location. Most of the archaeological finds are statues, funerary stele and mosaics from the classical, Hellenistic and Roman eras - many of them embedded in later walls and inside houses. Very few of the antiquities on the island were discovered as a result of formal archaeological excavations, apart from some mosaic floors, sections of a roadway and a drain.amna

Source: ANA-MPA [December 04, 2012]