Δεσποτικό Ένα νέο ιερό σε μια ακατοίκητη νησίδα των Κυκλάδων

Abstract

Despotiko: a newly discovered sanctuary at an uninhabited isle of the Cyclades. Despotiko lies to the west of Paros and Antiparos, in a strategic position, in the centre of Cyclades. The site of Mandra is located at the island’s north-east corner. The island has been identified with ancient Prepesinthos, mentioned by Strabo and Pliny. The archaeological remains of Despotiko were first explored in the late nineteenth century by Ch. Tsountas, who excavated early Cycladic cemeteries at Livadi and Zoumbaria and identified remains of a prehistoric settlement at the site Chiromilos. Rescue excavations were initiated in 1997 under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. Short annual campaigns of excavation continued through 2000, focused on the site at Mandra, where a large sanctuary dedicated to Apollo has been located. Up to date eight large buildings have been found. Apart from the Archaic building of the sixth century BC, Classical and Hellenistic buildings have been unearthed. Although the temple has not been located yet, many parts of the temple’s upper structure, built in later walls, have been identified. The excavation has yielded a great number of finds, many of which are of prime importance as to the interpretation of the site, its role in the Aegean and its relations with the Near East, from the Archaic to the Roman period.