Cycladic Islands Research Articles

A dwarf elephant and a rock mouse on Naxos (Cyclades, Greece) with a revision of the palaeozoogeography of the Cycladic Islands (Greece) during the Pleistocene

During the Late Pleistocene, Naxos and adjacent areas, including Delos and Paros, constituted a mega-island, here referred to as palaeo-Cyclades. The extensive low-lying plains with lakes and rivers provided a suitable habitat for elephants. Due to long-term isolation from the mainland and mainland populations, these elephants evolved miniature size. The species found on Naxos had a body size of about ten percent of that of the mainland ancestor, Palaeoloxodon antiquus. During the glacial periods of the Late Pleistocene, P. antiquus may have migrated eastwards and southwards in search of better conditions and reached the islands. The dwarf species of the various Southern Aegean islands (e.g. Crete, Tilos, Rhodos, palaeo-Cyclades) are each the result of independent colonisation events. The very small size of the Naxos species respective to the dwarf elephants from Crete is explained as due to the lack of competitors. The only other elements of the contemporaneous fauna were a rock mouse (Apodemus cf. mystacinus) and a shrew (Crocidura sp.). Submergence of the area, climate change, volcanism, hunting by humans or a combination of these factors during the terminal Pleistocene may have caused the extinction of this endemic fauna.

Terracottas from the Cyclades

In the past several decades, archaeological research on the Cycladic islands has not only restored several sites investigated earlier, but has also brought to light sanctuaries on Despotiko, Kythnos, and Aguios Andreas on Siphnos, which are not mentioned in any literary sources. To these new discoveries can be added over a century’s worth of work on Delos, the principal cult site in the Cyclades. The availability of all this material has created a wonderful opportunity to explore the politica...

Genome sequence of Ensifer meliloti strain WSM1022; a highly effective microsymbiont of the model legume Medicago truncatula A17.

Ensifer meliloti WSM1022 is an aerobic, motile, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming rod that can exist as a soil saprophyte or as a legume microsymbiont of Medicago. WSM1022 was isolated in 1987 from a nodule recovered from the roots of the annual Medicago orbicularis growing on the Cyclades Island of Naxos in Greece. WSM1022 is highly effective at fixing nitrogen with M. truncatula and other annual species such as M. tornata and M. littoralis and is also highly effective with the perennial M. sativa (alfalfa or lucerne). In common with other characterized E. meliloti strains, WSM1022 will nodulate but fixes poorly with M. polymorpha and M. sphaerocarpos and does not nodulate M. murex. Here we describe the features of E. meliloti WSM1022, together with genome sequence information and its annotation. The 6,649,661 bp high-quality-draft genome is arranged into 121 scaffolds of 125 contigs containing 6,323 protein-coding genes and 75 RNA-only encoding genes, and is one of 100 rhizobial genomes sequenced as part of the DOE Joint Genome Institute 2010 Genomic Encyclopedia for Bacteria and Archaea-Root Nodule Bacteria (GEBA-RNB) project.

“Minding the Gap”: Thinking About Change in Early Cycladic Island Societies from a Comparative Perspective

Thirty years on, “Rutter’s gap” remains a challenge for Aegean prehistorians. With a precision commonly overlooked by his critics, Rutter originally set out to draw attention to a lacuna in our knowledge of material from stratified sites in the Cyclades, or of Cycladic material exported elsewhere, at the end of the third millennium B.C.E. and to a consequent hiatus in our ability to trace how island culture and behavior shifted from the Early to Middle Bronze Age. Whether the “gap” represented a real cessation of activity, whether it might be reduced from both ends, and whether genuinely interstitial strata and material might one day emerge were left open to the future. That future is now here, and this article asks where we stand today. It reviews new evidence from the Cyclades, the paucity of which suggests that the problem is at some level real, and highlights shifts of emphasis in the temporal pattern of change suggested by fresh data. It explores how two subsequent explanatory models have fared against new information: first, the association with a horizon of climate-induced collapse, and second, an explanation in terms of the maritime transition from canoe-borne to sail-driven shipping. Lastly, a pan-Mediterranean perspective reveals the third millennium B.C.E. as a period of burgeoning island societies and long-range sea traffic, but one that also witnessed crises in several island cultures toward its end, under conditions of increasing external penetration. Join the discussion at http://www.ajaonline.org/forum/1637.

Evidence of repeated late Holocene rapid subsidence in the SE Cyclades (Greece) deduced from submerged notches

An underwater geomorphological survey along the coasts of six Cycladic islands (Sifnos, Antiparos, Paros, Naxos, Iraklia and Keros) revealed widespread evidence of seven submerged tidal notches. At least seven former shorelines were identified at depths between 280 ± 20 and 30 ± 5 cm below modern sea level. The vertical succes- sion of several submerged notches suggests the occurrence of rapid subsidence events, potentially of seismic origin. Comparison with other sea-level indicators from Naxos and Delos islands indicates that these relative sea-level changes took place after 3300 BP and provides a rough estimate of the time of development of several submerged shorelines. The submergence of the uppermost notch at -30 ± 5c m is ascribed to effects of the recent global sea-level rise occurred during the last two centuries and, at least in part, to effects of recent earthquakes. Potential effects of the 1956 Amorgos earthquake with regard to coseismic and post-seismic vertical displacement have been recently investigated using a modellistic approach. According to the above, the lower shorelines should result from repetitive subsidence events and not from gradual subsidence.

Initiation, geometry and mechanics of brittle faulting in exhuming metamorphic rocks: insights from the northern Cycladic islands (Aegean, Greece)

AbstractInitiation, geometry and mechanics of brittle faulting in exhuming metamorphic rocks are discussed on the basis of a synthesis of field observations and tectonic studies carried out over the last decade in the northern Cycladic islands. The investigated rocks have been exhumed in metamorphic domes partly thanks to extensional detachments that can be nicely observed in Andros, Tinos and Mykonos. The ductile to brittle transition of the rocks from the footwall of the detachments during Aegean post-orogenic extension was accompanied by the development of asymmetric sets of meso-scale low-angle normal faults (LANFs) depending on the distance to the detachments and the degree of strain localization, then by conjugate sets of high-angle normal faults. This suggests that rocks became progressively stiffer and isotropic and deformation more and more coaxial during exhumation and localization of regional shearing onto the more brittle detachments. Most low-angle normal faults result from the reactivation of precursory ductile or semi-brittle shear zones; like their precursors, they often initiate between or at the tips of boudins of metabasites or marbles embedded within weaker metapelites, emphasizing the role of boudinage as an efficient localizing factor. Some LANFs are however newly formed, which questions the underlying mechanics, and more generally rupture mechanisms in anisotropic rocks. The kinematics and the mechanics of the brittle detachments are also discussed in the light of recent field and modeling studies, with reference to the significance of paleostress reconstructions in anisotropic metamorphic rocks.

Managing the Archaeological Heritage: The Case of Akrotiri, Thera (Santorini)

This article deals with the archaeological site of Akrotiri on the Cycladic island of Thera (Santorini), Greece, and demonstrates, in particular, how the construction of a new protective shelter has provided an opportunity for enhancing the present and future conservation and management of the site in accordance with, among other values, the aspirations of the local community. Drawing on the experience of the author as Director of the excavation, special emphasis will be placed on the features of the new bioclimatic shelter that can accommodate the continuous use of the site as both a scientific workshop and a tourist attraction.

Volatile compounds and lipolysis levels of Kopanisti, a traditional Greek raw milk cheese

Kopanisti is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) traditional soft Greek cheese manufactured exclusively in the Cycladic island complex. It is made from raw bovine, ovine or caprine milk or a mixture of them without the addition of any lactic acid cultures. It has a spreadable texture, an intense salty and peppery taste and a strong flavour. Although Kopanisti cheese has properties similar to those of mould-ripened cheeses, its volatile compound content has never been reported. In this study the volatile compound content and lipolysis level of ten commercial Kopanisti samples were investigated. The main aromatic groups found in Kopanisti cheese were alcohols, esters and volatile free fatty acids. Ethanol and several ethyl esters were the main volatile compounds. Intense lipolysis was present, with an average total free fatty acid content of 48,979 mg kg(-1). Acetic, butyric and capric acids were the main volatile acids determined. The intense lipolysis contributes greatly to the strong flavour and peppery taste of Kopanisti cheese. The flavour of Kopanisti is attributable mainly to the volatile fatty acids and various other volatile compounds as well as to the interactions occurring between them.

The ‘Beanpole Family’: Cultural Aspects of ‘the Demographic Crisis’ in Greece

Falling birth rates, increased longevity, delayed inheritance, and the increased need for provision of eldercare for seniors, are well-known phenomena throughout Europe. The specific cultural aspects of these phenomena, which produce different kinds of situations in particular countries, have been less explored. The paper looks at the so-called ‘demographic crisis’ in Greece, as the falling birth rate has been labelled, with regard to practices that link the naming of children to the inheritance of property, and with particular reference to a Cycladic island.

Footwall mineralization during Late Miocene extension along the West Cycladic Detachment System, Lavrion, Greece

AbstractThe West Cycladic Detachment System (WCDS) has been mapped from the western Cycladic islands to Lavrion (mainland Greece), where several top‐to‐SSW low‐angle normal faults at different structural levels are observed. Near the detachment horizon, hydrothermal fluid flow originating from Miocene intrusions lead to high‐temperature carbonate strata‐bound Pb–Ag–Zn ore deposits. Zircon (U–Th)/He cooling ages from the mineralized footwall are 7.1 ± 0.6 to 7.9 ± 0.6 Ma. Carbon‐ and O‐isotope analyses of the carbonate host indicate high water‐to‐rock ratios during brittle deformation‐induced metasomatism, and that this interaction, unrelated to proximity of the intrusions, plays the dominant role in the mineralization. The Late Miocene geology of Lavrion is strikingly similar to Serifos island on the SE termination of the WCDS, both characterized by strong localization of detachment faulting and the interaction of brittle deformation with the injection of fluids related to granitoid intrusions.

Comparative Analysis of Carrying Capacity Indices for the Central Aegean Islands

1. Introduction Greece depends heavily on the tourist trade, as tourism is the main economic activity in Greece. The issue for a long term viable development in the Greek islands, is to find a creative and hopeful perspective through the carrying capacity assessment indicators. Sustainable development and its quantification procedure with specialised measurement instrument, consist a vital element for the environmental condition of the Greek destinations; as the tourist product is a blend of ecological, social and economic sub-systems [4,5]. For that reason an adapted amount of sustainable indicators is selected and a comprehensible methodological guide for their use is created, aiming to reliable measurement of selected parameters that are considered to be important for our region. We believe that using this approach, the local societies and the stakeholders involved as well, are able to understand the size of impact on the existing and mainly not renewable resources, in order to proceed with strategic planning and terms of sustainability for their future developmental course. The natural environment is crucial to the attractiveness of almost all travel destinations and recreation areas [6]. Coastal and marine areas are also important recreation resources for local residents as the tourists who spend much time with marine activities [7]. Coastal zone management is emerging as a deep concern of governments [8]. Through this study and its results the researcher will try to determine the destination status in order to improve tourism and suggest a plan, that will help these islands to become more competitive as tourist destinations. Carrying capacity assessment has become an indispensable tool for formulating policy and strategies in the tourist industry worldwide [9]. Countries and regions with considerable natural and cultural resources look towards tourism when stimulating their sustainable development activities [10]. The contribution of tourism sector to development needs to be clearly explained to allow countries to invest into tourism. Tourism is considered as a development factor [11] as is probably the best example among human activities in which the linkages between environmental quality and economic prospects are evident [12]. Tourism is a part of a general strategy towards sustainability there is little agreement on, or evidence of, how to achieve this. 2. General Characteristics The Cyclades are located at the south part of the Aegean sea. The Cyclades comprise about 200 islands and the major ones are: Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, los, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Melos, Myk onos, Naxos, Paros, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Tenos, and Thera or Santorini. Most of the smaller islands are uninhabited [13]. Ermoupolis, on Syros, is the capital town and administrative center of the former prefecture. The islands are peaks of a submerged mountainous terrain, with the exception of two volcanic islands, Milos and Santorini (Thera). The climate is generally dry and mild, but with the exception of Naxos the soil is not very fertile: agricultural production includes wine, fruit, wheat, olive oil, and tobacco. Cooler temperatures are found in higher altitudes and mainly do not receive wintry weather. Samos was a prefecture in Greece, consisting of the islands of Samos, Ikaria and the smaller islands of Fournoi Korseon. In 2011 the prefecture was modified and the territory is now covered by the regional units of Samos and Ikaria. Its capital was the town of Vathy, in Samos. Cycladic islands represent one of the most popular destinations in Greece which is highly dependent on tourism. The purpose of this study is to examine the image Cycladic and Samos region islands, by analysing the of the interactions between tourism and environment by examining environmental indices [14]. The population of Cyclades is mainly concentrated in Syros (19.870) Naxos (18.988), Thira (13.960), Paros (12. …

The character and use of the Soros Hill Obsidian source, Antiparos (Greece)

This article details the geological and elemental character of the obsidian from the Soros Hill source on the Cycladic island of Antiparos, Greece. EDXRF was used to analyse 40 geological geo-referenced samples. The products are clearly chemically discriminated from those of the other Aegean sources, and those from the Carpathians and central Anatolia. While the obsidian is of excellent tool-making quality, the small size of its nodules seems to have made it a less attractive raw material, attested at only a handful of prehistoric sites in the central Cyclades.

A Cycladic Perspective on Mycenaean Long-Distance Exchanges

Recent discussions of Mycenaean long-distance exchanges with the ‘East’ have focused on the goods exchanged, their means of production and shipment, and their significance for consumers. Despite voluminous research on these topics, consideration of Mycenaean long-distance exchanges with the eastern Mediterranean vis-à-vis the Cycladic islands during the Palatial Period has been minimal. Diachronic examination of the Late Bronze Age archaeological evidence from the Cyclades reveals the absence of certain defining aspects of Mycenaean palatial society. Missing, or at least not present to the extent seen before (and sometimes after) this period, are figured frescoes, sealings and seals, balance weights, inscriptions and imports from the Near East. Considered within the framework of ‘negative archaeology’, these objects are conspicuously absent from the Cyclades. When seen through the lens of the Mycenaean political economy, these absences shed light on the nature of Mycenaean long-distance exchanges and the place of Cycladic islanders in the Mycenaean world. Based upon this evidence, I propose that objects and absences alike served to integrate islanders into the Mycenaean culture of the Palatial Period, which in turn effectively excluded the Cyclades from participation in long-distance exchange networks. A model of directional Mycenaean long-distance exchanges that takes into account the negative evidence from the Cyclades is proposed.

A Cycladic Perspective on Mycenaean Long-Distance Exchanges

Recent discussions of Mycenaean long-distance exchanges with the ‘East’ have focused on the goods exchanged, their means of production and shipment, and their significance for consumers. Despite voluminous research on these topics, consideration of Mycenaean long-distance exchanges with the eastern Mediterranean vis-à-vis the Cycladic islands during the Palatial Period has been minimal. Diachronic examination of the Late Bronze Age archaeological evidence from the Cyclades reveals the absence of certain defining aspects of Mycenaean palatial society. Missing, or at least not present to the extent seen before (and sometimes after) this period, are figured frescoes, sealings and seals, balance weights, inscriptions and imports from the Near East. Considered within the framework of ‘negative archaeology’, these objects are conspicuously absent from the Cyclades. When seen through the lens of the Mycenaean political economy, these absences shed light on the nature of Mycenaean long-distance exchanges and the place of Cycladic islanders in the Mycenaean world. Based upon this evidence, I propose that objects and absences alike served to integrate islanders into
 the Mycenaean culture of the Palatial Period, which in turn effectively excluded the Cyclades from participation in long-distance exchange networks. A model of directional Mycenaean long-distance exchanges that takes into account the negative evidence from the Cyclades is proposed.

Structural and thermochronometric evidence for multi-stage exhumation of southern Syros, Cycladic islands, Greece

The Attic–Cycladic metamorphic-core complex province was formed during Miocene to recent regional back-arc extension in response to slab-rollback and gravitational collapse. The development of several metamorphic-core complexes along extensional low-angle detachment faults resulted in the exhumation of lower-plate rocks and the tectonic denudation of the upper plate that is only sparsely exposed throughout the Aegean Sea. One of these areas is in southern Syros where the tectonic configuration includes three tectonometamorphic units separated by two detachment faults. The lower-plate Cycladic Blueschist Unit underwent late Cretaceous–Eocene HP/LT metamorphism and subsequent greenschist-facies overprint during Oligo-Miocene times. The tectonically overlying greenschist-facies Upper Unit is a tectonic sliver between the Cycladic Blueschist Unit and the structurally highest unit, the Vari Unit, which is dominated by quartzofeldspathic gneisses that are affected by four distinct deformation events (D1–D4). The late Cretaceous upper greenschist-facies D1 episode is related to late Cretaceous–Eocene subduction while D2–D4 fabrics were formed in response to late Cenozoic extension and exhumation. Field relations and structural data suggest that the late Miocene brittle Vari Detachment juxtaposes both Vari Unit and Upper Unit against the Cycladic Blueschist Unit. Mylonitic rocks observed at the base of Vari Unit along the contact with Upper Unit and zircon and apatite (U–Th)/He thermochronometry corroborate this scenario with lower-plate Cycladic Blueschist Unit rocks recording rapid cooling at ~8–10Ma. In contrast, cooling ages from the Vari Unit cluster at ~13–15Ma, indicating rapid exhumation coeval with activity along the Livadi Detachment on the neighboring island of Tinos. These data document new evidence that Vari Unit was affected by a major middle Miocene phase of exhumation and an older semi-brittle episode, both unrelated to late Miocene detachment faulting, revealing that crustal extension occurred in multiple stages and in a protracted episodic fashion similar to other parts of the Cyclades.

Evidence of a recent rapid subsidence in the S–E Cyclades (Greece): An effect of the 1956 Amorgos earthquake?

An underwater geomorphological survey along the coasts of six Cycladic islands (Sifnos, Antiparos, Paros, Naxos, Iraklia and Keros) revealed widespread evidence of a recent 30–40cm submergence, part of which may have seismic origin. Comparison with information reported from earthquakes having affected the area suggests that at least part of the recent submergence might be an effect of the 1956 Amorgos earthquake. Modelling of the co-seismic and short-term post-seismic effects of the earthquake revealed that part of the observed subsidence may be explained in some of the islands by a fast post-seismic relaxation of a low-viscosity layer underlying the seismogenic zone. However far-field observations are underestimated by our model, and may be affected by a wider deformation field induced by the largest aftershock of the Amorgos sequence, or by other earthquakes.

The attraction of islands: travellers and tourists in the Cyclades (Greece) in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries

Islands have long acted as projection surfaces of ever-changing desires. Tourism organisations have drawn most vigorously upon the paradise metaphor in an attempt to position modern island holidays at the forefront of our minds – regardless of an island's location. Tracing the most recent history of our island-longing and illuminating the use of the island metaphor by tourist organisations is the aim of this article. A short account of the history of tourism in Greece (especially the Cycladic Islands) provides the backdrop to an in-depth picture and text analysis of nine official English and German tourist guides to the Cyclades, as well as the English-speaking version of the official Cyclades website. Images and text are coded according to pre-determined themes and contrasted with each other. Investigating islands from the perspective of tourists and tourist organisations, it becomes apparent that the official brochures draw on established island tropes and stereotypical island imagery as a means to attract travellers, and thus follow a long-established pattern of what Western culture considers unique for island locations. Dissonances, however, are emerging as our longing for island locations is contradicted by our need for ease and speed of access, thus negating the sought-after quintessential ‘islandness’.

Radiocarbon dating of the Late Cycladic building and destruction phases at Akrotiri, Thera: New evidence

Akrotiri was a flourishing prehistoric settlement on the Cycladic island of Santorini (Thera) until its life was ended by a huge volcanic eruption in the LCI period. There is much debate as to when this final destruction occurred. Based on the Egyptian historical dating this happened around 1540-1530 BC, while, based on radiocarbon and other scientific data, around 1640-1600 BC. This work is an attempt to date with radiocarbon the whole settlement’s life starting from the earlier phases of occupation but focusing in the sequence of the latest events. The samples, coming from the deep shafts dug in the site for the pillars of the new shelter, are pieces of wood and charcoal from house architectural elements and other constructions, including the final earthquake victims temporary camps. Therefore, the dates obtained represent the beginning of the different cultural phases plus the latest events. The results provide novel absolute dates for the commencement of the LMC and LCI Phases at Akrotiri, giving mean ranges around 1820-1790 BC and 1775-1722 BC, respectively, while the final destruction is dated around 1622-1548 BC. These results show that the LCI phase started about 100 years earlier than estimated with the Egyptian Historical chronology while the final destruction around 60 years or less earlier.

Investigation of urban canyon microclimate in traditional and contemporary environment. Experimental investigation and parametric analysis

Abstract The paper presents the results of extensive measurements which took place in two sites with different characteristics in terms of street geometry, urban density and materials. The first experiment site was a traditional settlement in the island of Tinos, Greece, while the second was a relatively newly built part of the capital city of Tinos. The experimental measurements, which include air and surface temperature, air humidity and air velocity, were carried out in two sets, during the summer and winter period. The experimental measurements were compared to simulation results obtained by a special computer tool. The comparison led to the conclusion that experimental measurements and program results were in good agreement for the summer period, and the tool was subsequently used in order to perform parametric analysis of microclimate in urban canyons. Main parameters that affect urban canyon microclimate were examined, that is street geometry, street orientation, effect of trees, horizontal surface albedo, wind speed and wind direction. The paper aims in presenting the results obtained by the comparison of the two sites and in analyzing the effect of parameters such as urban layout, street geometry and orientation on urban canyon microclimate, with special reference on the characteristics of traditional architecture of the Cycladic islands. Also, the parametric analysis aims in investigating the parameters involved and their degree of influence on urban canyon microclimate.

Modelling of tsunami generated by the giant Late Bronze Age eruption of Thera, South Aegean Sea, Greece

Tsunami generated by the Late Bronze Age (LBA) eruption of Thera were simulated using synthetic tide records produced for selected nearshore (∼20 m depths) sites of northern Crete, the Cyclades Islands, SW Turkey and Sicily. Inundation distances inland were also calculated along northern Crete. Modelling was performed by incorporating fully non-linear Boussinesq wave theory with two tsunamigenic mechanisms. The first involved the entry of pyroclastic flows into the sea, assuming a thick (55 m; 30 km3) flow entering the sea along the south coast of Thera in three different directions all directed towards northern Crete, then a thin pyroclastic flow (1 m; 1.2 km3) entering the sea along the north coast of Thera directed towards the Cyclades Islands. Flows were modelled as a solid block that slowly decelerates along a horizontal surface. The second mechanism assumed caldera collapse, of 19 km3 and 34 km3 modelled as a dynamic landslide producing rapid vertical displacements. Calculated nearshore wave amplitudes varied from a few metres to 28 m along northern Crete from pyroclastic flows, and up to 19 m from caldera collapse (34 km3 volume). Inundation distances on Crete were 250–450 m. Waves produced by pyroclastic flows were highly focused, however, as a function of sea entry direction. Smaller volume pyroclastic flows produced nearshore wave amplitudes up to 4 m in the Cyclades islands north of Thera. Wave amplitudes in the Cyclades from smaller volume caldera collapse (19 km3) were up to 24 m, whereas in SW Turkey were as low as 2.1 and 0.8 m (Didim and Fethye where LBA tsunami deposits have been found). Wave amplitudes for the larger volume caldera collapse (34 km3) were generally 2.5–3 times larger than those generated by the smaller volume collapse (19 km3). These results provide estimates for understanding possible consequences of tsunami impact in LBA coastal zones, thus providing criteria at archaeological sites for detecting inundation damage, as well as for contemporary hazard assessment; they also provide additional criteria for deciphering homogenite layers in the abyssal stratigraphy of the Ionian and eastern Mediterranean Seas.