Koufonisia Keros Island

Location: Keros Island

Access to the island is prohibited.
Located just a few nautical miles south of Koufonisia, the enigmatic Keros is a site of immense archaeological interest. Known as Keria in ancient times, it is, in fact, believed to have been a highly significant religious center during the early Cycladic civilization (c. 3100 BC - 2300 BC) and, according to researchers, it may well have been the very first island-sanctuary in the entire world! Thus, its historical importance is comparable to that of Delos, with the difference that Keros predates Delos by several centuries.

What has puzzled archaeologists ever since the discovery of the first findings in the 1960s was the fact that the hundreds of marble and clay figurines unearthed were all broken into pieces. Gradually, the realization that the fragments do not fit among themselves has led experts to a fascinating conclusion: the figurines were not destroyed by looters or by natural causes; rather, their breaking formed part of a ritual, the like of which has never been observed anywhere else. Thus, they were deliberately broken in the neighboring Cycladic islands, and parts of them were then transported to Keros in a kind of pilgrimage.

This probably formed part of a rebirth ritual symbolic of the cycle of life. It appears to have been common practice to use the sacred figurines during a certain period of time, at the end of which they had to be destroyed. This must have gone on for around 400-500 years, that is to say, till about 2000 BC.

The nearby islet of Daskalio, which was once connected to Keros through a narrow stretch of land, has also yielded astonishing findings that support this theory. More specifically, excavations have brought to light a sizeable 16-meter-long and 4-meter-wide building, which could have served as a guesthouse for the pilgrims and is the biggest edifice dating from this period ever to be discovered in the Cyclades.

What is more, research has revealed that most of the surface of Daskalio was occupied during the early Bronze Age, making this the earliest and largest urban site in the Cyclades. The structures were built on massive terraces using tons of white marble imported from the neighboring islands — a remarkable feat considering the vessels of the time. The settlement was based on a masterful street plan and boasted residences, squares, public spaces and staircases, as well as a significant metalworking center.

Some of the most impressive findings include the flat-faced figurines of the Keros Harpist, the Flute Player and remarkable female statuettes, which are now on display at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. A large part of what is known as the Keros Hoard can also be seen in the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens. Thousands of years later, these elegant pieces of ancient art were, in fact, to serve as a source of inspiration for such artists as Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore and Constantin Brancusi!

Bonus info: In the Middle Ages, Keros was extensively used by pirates seeking safe anchorage. Its last residents left Keros in 1968 and the island has remained uninhabited ever since. According to the locals, gazing at Keros from Koufonisia on a moonlit night is a unique experience, as the outline of the islet resembles the form of a pregnant woman lying down!