Archeological Site Strofilias Andros
Strofilias is considered the oldest city in Europe and is located in the southwestern part of the island on a plateau and extends for about thirty acres.
Its dating dates back to 4500-3300 BC and it is the largest settlement of the modern Neolithic age that can be found in the Aegean area. For some strange reason, the site today is almost intact and has provided many elements to archaeologists to determine and confirm theories on Cycladic life in the past and for visitors the opportunity to know and see an important piece of our history.
During the excavations, the remains of buildings of important dimensions in the shape of an arch and quadrilateral with walls about one hundred meters long, two high and one and a half thick and again, relics of furniture, clay vases, utensils for everyday use, tools were brought to light. in stone, obsidian statuettes and copper objects that make it very clear the vision of how far the populations were at the time.
Another important discovery is related to the testimony that metallurgy in the Cyclades Islands was already in a state of the art compared to the other islands. The exhibits also boast of carved rock paintings to decorate the walls and floors of the sanctuary and along the rocky wall, representations of animals, fish and ships and symbolic spiral and ring figures typical of Neolithic figurines were found. The sculptures of the ships are engraved at a height of about one meter, four of which are consecutively one after the other. The largest is found inserted in the stone gate of the wall, a clear example of defensive construction. On the outside of the wall above a rock there are depictions of a deer, a pig and a cat.
The big surprise of the Strofilias archaeological site is a large carving found on the floor of a room covering about one hundred square meters and which is presumed to be a sacred place for ritual purposes. On one side there is the figure of a fish, on the other side of the small spiral cavities, in another point of the boats, one of which is carrying an animal and in the center instead a water bird.
How do you reach the Archaeological Site of Strofilias
It is necessary to reach the Zaganiaris village on the southwest coast following the asphalted road, starting from Gavrio for about twenty kilometers and following the signs that lead to the site.
Certainly an interesting trip if you are passionate about
archeology or if you want to feel like Howard Carter's children for a
day to discover a piece of history of our humanity.