The exhibition of artifacts from the archaeological sites of Keros and Daskalio, the Early Cycladic island sites of 3200-2100 BC, was inaugurated at the Athens Municipal Gallery in Metaxourgio district on Monday.
“Des Apenanti [Look Across] – A settlement on Keros of 4,500 years ago” was set up at the Gallery on May 18. Keros artifacts were first exhibited on the island of Tinos in 2019.
Τhe exhibition includes objects from the long-term excavation by the University of Cambridge at the islets southeast of Naxos, Keros and Daskalio, part of the Koufonissia group of islands. The excavation is under the British School of Athens under permission of the Ministry of Culture.
The exhibition highlights the start of urbanization and the maritime trade networks for raw materials and goods in the Aegean Sea during the prehistoric era. One section shows aspects of daily life and trade, and another provides a glimpse into archaeological methods and documentation, including cutting-edge technologies.
“4,500 years ago Daskalio was not a separate island, but the southwestern-most promontory of Keros,” Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said at the inauguration .
“At this promontory, archaeologists revealed the oldest island sanctuary, one of the most important prehistoric sites globally, according to Lord Colin Renfrew,” she added, referring to the pioneering prehistoric Aegean specialist who has dug there.
“It was clearly the most significant ritual center of the Cycladic Islands in the center of the Aegean from the start of 3000 BC, and definitely nearly 500 years earlier than any other ritual center in the prehistoric Aegean, according to its other excavator, Michael Boyd,” the minister added.
Entrance to the public is free but visitors must wear a mask.
Visiting hours are Tuesday-Saturday 11:00-19:00, Sunday 10:00-16:00. It is closed on Mondays.
More information on Keros and Daskalio here.
What is the address of the museum pls?