Archaeologists continue excavations on small rocky islet of Vryokastraki

Archaeologists have discovered more important artifacts on Vryokastraki, the small rocky islet near the Greek island of Kythnos.

The excavations were undertaken by the Department of Archaeology of the University of Thessaly’s Department of History, Archaeology and Social Anthropology and the Cyclades Antiquities Ephorate of the Ministry of Culture and Sports.

According to the Greek Ministry of Culture, the findings detail the history of Vryokastraki, which was inhabited from the 12th century BC until the 7th century AD.

However, new evidence shows there was also a Cycladic settlement on the islet in the 3rd millennium BC.

Three important inscriptions were found in the Early Byzantine building complex 2:

• A description of the time when the islet was ruled by a pirate named Glafketis.
• A description of ancient bureaucratic processes on the island, including building regulations.
• An honorary inscription for a resident of the island (whose name did not survive).

Well-preserved ceramics, clay figurines and jewellery were also discovered in the sanctuary.

Vryokastraki

Vryokastraki was once connected to Vryokastro (the site of an ancient city) on the island of Kythnos, by a narrow isthmus.