Greece Reopens Poliochni Archaeological Site on Lemnos After Extensive Restoration

Historic Reopening on Lemnos

The ancient archaeological site of Poliochni on the island of Lemnos, often referred to as 'Europe's oldest city,' has officially reopened to the public following extensive restoration work. The inauguration, led by Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, marks a significant milestone in preserving and promoting Greece's rich prehistoric heritage. The site, located on the eastern coast of Lemnos near the village of Kaminia, offers unique insights into early urban planning and social organization dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE.

Comprehensive Restoration Project

The restoration project, with a budget of approximately 5 million euros, was funded through the Regional Operational Programme of the North Aegean-NSRF 2014-2020 and the Recovery and Resilience Fund. The comprehensive work included:

• Preservation and restoration of 22 building islands across the central, southern, and western sections of the settlement.
• Cleaning and reinforcement of the southern enclosure wall.
• Improvements to overall accessibility for visitors.
• Creation of new educational and interactive resources, including a modernized exhibition with a settlement model, digital applications, and tactile replicas for visitors with disabilities.
• Establishment of an open-air event space and new public infrastructure.

Minister Mendoni emphasized that Poliochni is 'not merely an important archaeological site; it is tangible proof of early social and urban planning, trade extroversion – mainly due to metal ores – and of human creativity, starting in the 3rd millennium BC.'

Poliochni's Historical Significance

Poliochni's history spans from the mid-5th millennium to the end of the 2nd millennium BCE, with its main urban development occurring during the Early Bronze Age. Italian archaeologists first began excavations in the 1930s, revealing a sophisticated settlement that predates Troy I. The site is notable for its advanced urban features, including a structured road network, public buildings, and a 'bouleuterion' (assembly hall) which some scholars consider the earliest evidence of democracy in Europe. Poliochni's strategic location made it a crucial center for maritime trade, particularly in metals, fostering commercial ties with other Aegean sites, Asia Minor, and the Greek mainland.

Phases of Development

Archaeologists have identified distinct chronological layers at Poliochni, often color-coded:

• Black Period (3700-3200 BC): The earliest settlement, characterized by small oval huts.
• Blue Period (3200-2700 BC): A period of significant expansion, with a defensive wall and a population of 800-1,000.
• Green Period (2700-2400 BC): The city's peak, with an estimated population of nearly 1,500.
• Red Period (2400-2200 BC): Marked by a decline in population, though metalworking and trade continued.
• Yellow Period (2200-2100 BC): The city was largely abandoned following a devastating earthquake.

The reopening of Poliochni allows visitors to explore these layers of history and appreciate the ingenuity of its ancient inhabitants, reinforcing its role as a vital component of European cultural heritage.