The Excavations of the French School at Athens on Delos and the Transformations of the Mykonian Economy and Society, 1873–1913

Abstract

This article discusses the economic and social changes on the island of Mykonos at the turn of the twentieth century based on the evidence from archives related to the archaeological excavations on the island of Delos. The study of the archives of the Municipality of Mykonos (DAM), the French School at Athens (EFA) and the Greek Ministry of Culture (Mykonos Museum) provides ample information on the large-scale excavations of the ancient remains on Delos and the work they offered to the islanders. The traditional occupations on the island such as farming, herding and fishing were frequently insufficient to sustain the island’s population, which turned to migration. The wages offered by the EFA were an opportunity, especially for poor young men, to increase their income. The participation in the group activity of the excavation created new social relationships and challenged the community bonds of the Mykonians.