Surface investigations have identified prehistoric, Hellenistic and Roman sites in various parts of the island of Gyali opposite Nisyros, among which the obsidian quarries in the north-eastern part of the island occupy an important position.
The habitation of Giali goes back to the Neolithic years (Later Neolithic period, 4500-3200 BC), as can be concluded from the settlement and the cemetery in its southwestern part. Excavation of the site revealed a set of walls and an arched building on top of a hill. The cemetery consists of rectangular tombs carved into the natural rock. Neolithic pottery and obsidian flakes were collected at various sites throughout the island. In Gyali it seems that there was a flourishing Neolithic community, probably a seasonal settlement, which was not related to the processing and trade of the local obsidian, on the one hand because it was oriented to other forms of economy (livestock breeding, agriculture, fishing) and on the other hand because the local material was unsuitable due to its inhomogeneity, in contrast to the flawless quality obsidian of Milos.
The habitation of the islet continued in historical times and Gyali followed the fortunes of Nisyros. It is probably identical with Kiseroussa mentioned by Pliny, which was located opposite the cape of Knidos. At the Kastro site, on the north side of the south-western part of the island, remains of a Hellenistic period fortification and a tank were found. A multitude of Hellenistic vase shells in the north-eastern part and a rampart wall testify to the habitation in Gyali, while a tomb in the same area dates back to the Early Christian period.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou