Visitors can now examine archaeological artefacts from Keros and Daskalio - Early Cycladic island sites of 3200-2100 BC - at the Athens Municipal Gallery in Metaxourgio.
"Des Apenanti - A settlement on Keros of 4,500 years ago" was inaugurated by the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou on Monday.
Objects in the exhibit were first seen in public in 2019 and includes items from the long-term excavation by the University of Cambridge at the islets southeast of Naxos, Keros and Daskalio, part of the Koufonissia group of islands. The excavation is under the British School of Athens under permission of the Ministry of Culture.
The exhibit highlights the start of urbanisation and the maritime trade networks for raw materials and goods in the Aegean Sea during the prehistoric era.
"4,500 years ago Daskalio was not a separate island, but the southwestern-most promontory of Keros," Greece's Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said.
"At this promontory, archaeologists revealed the oldest island sanctuary, one of the most important prehistoric sites globally, according to Lord Colin Renfrew," she added, referring to the pioneering prehistoric Aegean specialist who has dug there.
"It was clearly the most significant ritual center of the Cycladic Islands in the center of the Aegean from the start of 3000 BC, and definitely nearly 500 years earlier than any other ritual center in the prehistoric Aegean, according to its other excavator, Michael Boyd," the minister added.
One section shows aspects of daily life and trade, and another provides a glimpse into archaeological methods and documentation, including cutting-edge technologies.
On his part, the Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis spoke of the numerous objects found on such small sites, and of archaeological information that would "take dozens if not hundreds of books to record fully."
The exhibition which will last until August 31, is curated by archaeologist museologist in the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades, Stefanos Keramidas.
Entrance is free but visitors must wear a mask.
Hours:
- Tuesday-Saturday 11am-7pm
- Sunday 10am-4pm
*More on GCT: Excavations reveal Keros was early Industrial Hub 4,500 years ago
