Rhodes Ancient Kamiros

Location: Skala Kamirou

The site of Ancient Kameiros is located on the northwest coast of the island, about 32 km from Rhodes Town. In ancient times, Kameiros was one of the most powerful Rhodian cities, and, along with Lindos and Ialyssos, it formed the powerful city-state of Rhodes in 408 BC. Today, its ruins offer an invaluable insight into the layout of Dorian cities and the lives of their inhabitants.

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Ancient Kameiros was founded by the Dorians; however, the discovery of a Mycenean necropolis in the nearby Kalavarda village indicates that the area was first settled by the Achaeans in prehistoric times. It had a prosperous economy based primarily on agriculture, but also on trade and artisanship. Kameiros flourished during the Archaic era, while, after the foundation of the city-state of Rhodes, it lost its political, economic and cultural significance. Nevertheless, habitation continued even after the town was destroyed by earthquakes twice, in 226 and 142 BC. The city was eventually abandoned at some point during Late Antiquity.

Ancient Kameiros was built on three levels. On top of the hill was the Acropolis, with a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, while in the 6th century BC, a reservoir that could cover the needs of 400 families was also built there. Around this reservoir, the inhabitants later constructed a Stoa (Arcade) with two rows of Doric columns. The main settlement was built on the middle level, consisting of parallel streets and residences, while at the lower level, there was a Doric temple of Apollo, as well as a series of altars dedicated to various deities. The Agora, the place where political issues were discussed, was also located there.

Ancient Kameiros was first excavated in the 1850s and 1860s by British and Italian archaeologists, and research was resumed in 1928 when Rhodes was under Italian rule. Restoration works continued till the end of the Second World War when Italian domination over the Dodecanese came to an end.