Archeological Sites

reviewd by visiting students of Indiana University-Purdue

Delion
By Kristina Brenneman and Andy Chern

The Delion is located on top of a hill on the north side of Paroikia. It is the remains of temples to Apollo and Artemis. The first Apollo temple was constructed in the 9th-8th century BC with the most recent rebuilding in the early 5th century BC. And, the Artemis temple was constructed to the east of the Apollo temple.

The Delion was situated so that the island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, could be seen from the top. If you look out into the ocean in the northern direction, you too can see Delos on a clear day.


Open Air Sanctuary
By Kristina Brenneman and Andy Chern

The Open Air Sanctuary is located in the Aghios Pantelleimon Area, which is east of the Paros Archeological Museum. The boundary walls of the ancient city run through this site. The Open Air Sanctuary itself is 400 square meters. Kourai statues were uncovered here, which can be found in the Museum. Also, an unfinished Kouros can be found in the area.

On the western side of the Aghios Pantelleion Area is a funerary structure called a heroon. In addition, a circular funerary monument known as a Tholos can be seen as well with special inscriptions of names and symbols on it.

Located on the north side are graves and burial chambers of the late Hellenistic and Roman periods.

(The site is off the beaten path, so look for archeological remains among Paros residences.)


Ancient Cemetery
By Andy Chern

Near the port of Paroikia, the Ancient Cemetery dates between the Geometric period (8th century BC) to
the Roman period (2nd century AD). During its use, it served as the most important burial site of the
Cyclades with most of the bodies coming from the second half of the 7th century BC.

At the site, many children's cist-graves, funerary urns, and marble sarcophagi from the late Roman period
were found, which explains the high mortality rate during that period. In addition, the site included a
mass burial of soldiers between the ages of 25 and 30. Located at the front of the burial site is a large
grave Stele of Archaic times. Perhaps one of the most important findings was a funerary monument of
the 5th century BC by the stepped base.


The Kastro and its surroundings
By Cassandra Blakemore
On the site of the ancient town of Paros stands the north east guard wall of the Frankish Castle, or Kastro. In 1260 A.D. the Duke of Naxos used pieces of preexisting architecture to build the walls. It is quit simple to spot the spherical columns and pieces of marble which belonged to ancient temples such as the one to Athena, which is located just a few meters from the wall. Years after the Kastro was built, and all that remained of the ancient temple to Athena was the foundation, much of the mountainside fell into the sea, taking with it part of the foundation and the Kastro. The foundation of the temple which remains is part of the front of a post- byzantine church called Agios Konstantinos (Saint Constantine) as well as part of the inside the church. Marble steps lead into the side of the church and more of the foundation was later used as the foundation for the church itself. Located directly next to the church are remains in limestone of prehistoric settlements.


The Sanctuaries of Asklepios and Pythian Apollo
By Cassandra Blakemore

Just south of Paroikia, the foundations of the sanctuaries of Pythian Apollo and Asklepios, the healing god, sit upon a hillside. Unfortunately, much of the Pythian's foundations has been destroyed and only remnants of the temple can be seen on the upper hillside. Along with these remnants lie patches of water from a spring. The temples were built near water because of the necessities of water in religious ceremonies, especially for the healing god. On the lower hillside is the foundation for the Asklepios temple.


Koukounaries
By Nichole Tramel

Upon the rocks of Koukounaries in Naoussa are the remains of a Mycanean acropolis. On the vertical assent, achievable on the south side only, cyclopean walls are evident. An important Mycenaean building complex of the late 12th century B.C., its wings, corridors, and storage rooms are still visible. The storage rooms once held jars, weapons, and other items covered by ash that indicate destruction by fire in the 1100's B.C. Pebbles that may have been used as missiles and the skeletal remains of refugee animals and humans have been found as well. Its possible that this complex suffered an earthquake before being ruined by the subsequent fire. Interestingly, this is one of the few sites in Greece with continuity from the Bronze to Iron ages. The site remained inhabited until 700 B.C. On the south, probable remains from a temple of Athena are located. There is evidence that worship at this temple continued for a century after ceased habitation.


Tris Ekklisies
By Nichole Tramel

On the way to Naoussa from Paroikia lies the Tris Ekklisies, the “Three Churches”. Under the remains of three churches from the 17th century, an early Christian basilica from the 6th-7th century A.D. was found. Ancient material was used in the construction of the basilica and after the building ceased to function, the area was used as a cemetery. In antiquity, the Archilocheion, the heroon or hero shrine to the poet Archilochus, once stood here.


The Hellenistic Mosaics
By Nichole Tramel
Conveniently located in Kastrovouni near several other must-see sites and behind the Archaeological Museum are the remains of three Hellenistic housing complexes. Amidst the remnants of foundations lie the most remarkable remains: the Hellenistic mosaics. Dating from the 3rd century B.C., the existing decorated mosaics are brightly colored and showcase a central lozenge framed by bands and a running dog pattern. The mosaic on the south-eastern side is thought to be the floor of the andron, a room holding couches where male drinking parties, called symposiums, would occur. Evident beneath are similarly decorated mosaics from nearly a century earlier. These older mosaics are useful for dating the complex and show the development between periods.


Works Cited (for all archaeological site information)
Kourayos, Yannos. Paros Antiparos; History, Monuments, Museums. Adam Editions: Athens, Greece. 2004.