On the island of Thassos, the exploitation of the mineral wealth of the island had started from the upper Paleolithic era, that is around 18000 BC. Ocher mining in the location of "Jines" of Thassos is, according to the current data, the oldest mining activity in Europe. The mining gallery that was discovered in Djines, Thassos, is currently the oldest evidence of a mining gallery in Europe!..
Thassos is one of the islands of the Aegean whose inhabitants began to exploit the natural resources of the island from a very early age, while in later times they exported minerals, ores and raw materials mined from the rich mines and mines of the island, resulting in the growth of commerce, the extension of communication, the increase of wealth, and the flourishing of civilization. The extraction of ocher, as established by archaeological research, was done with Paleolithic tools made of horn or hematite.
But what was ocher used for, at such an early period? We can only make assumptions of course, inferring from finds in Europe, ocher was used to paint the walls and ceilings of caves such as those of Lascaux and Altamira. Lumps and nuggets of ocher - especially red - were also found in burials, where it was supposed to symbolize blood and life and possibly play a role in some funerary ritual. For later times, Pliny testifies that it was suitable for rendering shadows in painting. However, the yellow and red ocher - miltos - was used by pharmaceuticals as well as shipbuilding, as it ensured the waterproofing of wooden slats. Djines are located near Limenaria of Thassos.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou