Vriokastro :
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At the NW part of Kythnos, you will find its
ancient capital city, Vriokastro. The city,
which is estimated to have covered 75
acres, was inhabited from the 10th century
BC until the beginning of the 7th century AD,
when it was deserted by its citizens who
moved to the Castle. |
Even today, we can see
part of the Walls which surrounded the city,
few of which are in excellent condition. |
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A temple, which was dedicated to Demetra,
was found at the top of the Acropolis of the
city, while several underground cisterns
were found in the city. There were, also,
found two rectangle buildings. |
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One more temple was found in 2001 at the
north part. |
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The temple, which was found at
the north of a long and narrow altar, had
collapsed, probably due to an earthquake,
but the sanctuary was found untouched, with
all offerings in place. |
There were found
about 1500 objects (like jewels and vessels)
made of gold, silver, copper, ivory, glass,
coral and semi-precious stones. |
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The only
conclusion reached so far, based on the
findings, is that the temple was dedicated to
a goddess and not a god. |
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The excavation is still going on while one
more altar is being revealed. |
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We would like to thank the Head of the
excavation department, Mr. A. Mazaraki-
Enean, Professor of Classical Archeology at
the University of Thessaly, for the useful
information he gave us. |
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