8 Recent archaeological work in the Cyclades (Geometric to Hellenistic)

Abstract

The last decade marked a fruitful period for the archaeology of the Cyclades. The initiation and continuation of excavations, surveys, and archaeological projects on a number of the islands, initiated by the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, the foreign schools (EfA, AAIA, NIA), and Greek universities (University of Athens and of Thessaly) offered new valuable evidence for the Cycladic history from the Early Iron Age to the Hellenistic era. New data for the Early Iron Age have emerged on Andros (Zagora), Kythnos, and Despotiko. Excavations enlightened the form and components of the poleis during the Classical and Hellenistic periods (Palaiopolis, Vryokastro), revealed parts of cemeteries (Tenos, Seriphos, Paros, Naxos), and enriched our knowledge on island cultic life from the Geometric period onwards (Vryokastraki, Siphnos, Despotiko). The underwater surveys and excavations (Kythnos, Delos, Naxos) form one of the most interesting aspects of recent archaeological work in the Cyclades, elucidating the maritime landscape and the operating trading networks.