Near the settlement of Megalo Chorio, in the N. of the island of Tilos, is located the most important, probably early, Doric settlement with the acropolis at the top (Castle) and the city of the 4th c. BC on the S. slope of the hill.
A walled acropolis had been formed in the Castle, where there was the ancient temple of Zeus Polieus and Athena Poliadas, according to inscriptions found there. The church of Taxiarchis was built on the ruins of these temples during the 14th-15th century. During the Middle Ages, interventions were carried out on the Hellenistic acropolis and a rampart with ramparts, a catacomb and a tower were added to the east. The choice of the location from ancient times was surprising, because thus, from the ancient acropolis and from the Castle it was possible to visually supervise the gulfs of Agios Antonios, Eristos and Nisyros. This is also the reason why there has been continuous habitation in the settlement that is now called Megalo Chorio since the time of its foundation in the 4th century. BC until today.
The ancient settlement spread over the entire steep slope of the hill, as can be seen from the surviving walls of the houses and from the wall that protected them around them. A large part of the wall is visible inside the modern settlement behind the church of Taxiarchis and in other parts of the village. Tower-like anders impressively high supported the houses of the ancient settlement, while the domestic tank was dug on the ground floor behind the anders.
Also, on the steep slope of the hill, parts of many houses from later periods, ruins of medieval houses and Byzantine churches, some with frescoes, are preserved.
BIG VILLAGEThe most important archaeological site of the island is Megalo Chorio with its Castle, which has been built on top of the hill. The ancient settlement spread over the entire steep slope of the hill, as can be seen from the surviving walls of the houses and from the wall that protected them around them. A large part of the wall is visible inside the modern settlement behind the church of Taxiarchis and in other parts of the village. Parts of many ancient and medieval houses as well as Byzantine churches, some with frescoes, are preserved on the steep slope of the hill.
A walled acropolis had been formed in the Castle, where there was the ancient temple of Zeus Polieus and Athena Poliadas, according to inscriptions found there. The church of Taxiarchis was built on the ruins of these temples during the 14th-15th century. During the Middle Ages, interventions were carried out on the Hellenistic acropolis and a rampart with ramparts, a catacomb and a tower were added to the east. The choice of the location from ancient times was surprising, because thus, from the ancient acropolis and from the Castle it was possible to visually supervise the gulfs of Agios Antonios, Eristos and Nisyros. This is also the reason why there has been continuous habitation in the settlement that is now called Megalo Chorio since the time of its foundation in the 4th century. BC until today.
In the plain of Megalo Chorio, the extensive necropolis of the ancient city was located in the places of Potamies, Marmara, Agia Paraskevi, Kena.
Valuable gold jewelry, such as a diadem and a necklace, came from a chamber tomb. Tomb altars and column bases were found near Agios Georgios. In today's cemetery, a number of inscribed members, tombstones and altars were found, some of which are still visible today.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou
