The third largest island of the Dodecanese. The cemeteries of chambered tombs (Arkasa, Pigadia) show Minoan and then Mycenaean influence on the island (14th - 12th centuries BC).
The most important city of Karpathos (known as the capital) is located above the bay of Pigadia where a fortified acropolis, ruins of public buildings, among which the temple of Lindia Athena. The port of Potidaion or Posideion (Posi), preserves the Hellenistic fortification. Important ancient cities were also Arkes(s)eia or Arkaseia (Arkasa), with a fortified acropolis of classical - Hellenistic times, and Vrykous, (Vrykunda) with an imposing wall in the Pyrgali acropolis and carved chamber tombs.
These cities were Rhodian municipalities. Other places of historical times Aperi, Pini, Dia (where the temple of Apollo is also), Rizes, Pelekitos, Ria Mesochoriou, with an underground monumental reservoir (from Hellenic to Roman times). In Tristomo, possibly a sanctuary of Poseidon. Ancient sanctuary and on the site of the church of Agia Ekaterini, on the Karpathos - Saria ferry. Monumental tomb in Myli. Archaeological Collection in Olympos and Pigadia (Karpathos).
A total of 18 early Christian basilicas are known on the island: basilica of Agia Fotini or Afotis (end of the 5th - beginning of the 6th century), on Vronti beach, near Pigadia (ancient Potidaion) with marble architectural members and sculptures. Second basilica in Pigadia with baptistery (6th century). In Arkasa, the basilica of Agia Sophia or bishop Kyros, with a mosaic floor (end of the 5th - beginning of the 6th century), and the basilica of the elder Eucharist (5th century). Basilicas of Lefko, Gialohorafitissa (near Lefko), Agios Nikolaos (near Spoa), Agios Minas in Olympus, Vrykounta, Stenos (north end of the island), etc. Early Christian cemeteries in Lefko and Aperi.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou