(Tzia / Keos)
In Agia Irini, a small peninsula in a protected closed bay, one of the most important sites of the prehistoric Aegean was identified with life from the 3rd millennium BC. During the middle and late Bronze Age (2000 - 1400 BC) it developed into a fortified city with strong Minoan influences. Among the buildings, the sanctuary stands out, where large clay female statues of Minoan character were found. The site was abandoned around 1400 BC, but the settlement's sanctuary continued to be used throughout historical times. The finds show the occupation of the inhabitants with the land and the sea as well as with metallurgy. In historical times, Kea was inhabited by Iones and had four ancient cities (Karthaia, Iulis, Korisia and Poiiessa). In Korisia (Livadi), the current port, in the western part of the bay of Agios Nikolaos, fortified citadel with towers. Remains of a late archaic temple and houses of the 4th c. BC. In Ioulida (Kea, Chora) the ancient city wall is preserved on the Kastro hill, as well as the fortified acropolis on its top. Hometown of the famous lyric poet Simonides, the sophist Prodikos and the doctor Erasistratus. A lion carved into the rock probably marks a cenotaph, around 600 BC. Ancient sanctuary on the hill of Prophet Ilias (temple of Apollo or Zeus Ikmaion). The church Panagia Episkopi is built on ancient ruins. Built-in ancient sculptures in the Municipal Store. Archaeological Museum. In Poiiessa, acropolis on the hill of Phyron, fortified enclosure and ruins of buildings inside (6th century BC to first centuries AD). In Karthaia, a wall of archaic and classical times, a late archaic temple of Pythian Apollo, a pavilion Doric temple of Athena (late 6th century BC), a propylon, a submerged jetty, a theater.
Antiquities are scattered throughout the island. The ancient roads of Karthaia - Poieessas, and Vathypotamou with an ancient fountain are preserved. Burial building at Tholos site. Towers at the locations of Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos Kato Merias, Kalodouka, Chalkidio, Turkos, Psaropyrgos, Panachra. Lighthouse or vigla at the site of Petris or Petritis of the Caucasus. Ancient agricultural facilities in Pigadaki, Houhli, Loutriani. Ancient sanctuaries under the Christian churches of Ai-Symios (sanctuary of Aphrodite), Taxiarchon, Agioi Anargyro (Apollo or Asklepiou) in the Greek position. Antiquities at the site of Petrousa. A three-aisled Early Christian basilica has been excavated in Karthaia, probably on the site of the temple of Demeter. A second basilica has been identified in Ioulida, on the site of the church of Agia Sophia, and a third, in Karyes.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou