Ancient Poliochne, on the east coast of the North Aegean island of Lemnos is considered one of the major early urban centers of the Early Bronze Age (c. 3200 – 2100 BC) and the first city in Europe with a basic social and civic structure. Positioned on an elongated rise near the cove of Vroskopos and between two rivers, it thrived due to its strategic location and trade connections with the Northeast Aegean, Asia Minor, the Greek mainland, and the Cyclades. Lemnos was part of the cultural sphere of the Northeast Aegean, along with Troy (Minor Asia), Thermi (on the island of Lesbos), Emporio (Chios), and the Heraeon (Samos). Poliochne offered safe mooring, fresh water, and fertile land, and was inhabited from the mid-5th to the late 2nd millennium BC. Several other settlements on Lemnos developed concurrently with Poliochne (Cover photo: Aerial view of Poliochne southern sector, Source: poliochne.gr)
A rectangular building with a double row of stepped seats along its long sides, located on the southwest side of the hill of Poliochne, is considered the earliest evidence of democracy in Europe. Dating back to the Yellow Period (2200–2100 BC), this structure measures over 50 square metres and could have accommodated more than 50 individuals. According to Italian archaeologists, who were in charge of the excavations in the area, the building was likely used as a type of “Bouleuterion” (assembly house), serving as a meeting place for the “notables” or elders – representatives of the settlement’s families. These individuals would gather to discuss and address the community’s concerns, highlighting an early form of civic organization. (Source: ime.gr, Photo: Ephorate of Antiquities of Lesbos)
The city of Poliochne featured fortifications, public buildings, squares, paved roads with water drains, wells, mansions, and smaller stone-built houses. Distinctive pottery styles emerged, such as the stemmed fruit-bowl, tripod pot, and depas cup. Residents engaged in farming, fishing, textile-making, the manufacture of stone tools and weapons, and metalworking— employing techniques such as lost-wax casting by the Green Period. (Source: odysseus.culture.gr)
Aerial view of the archaeological site of Poliochne (Source: poliochne.gr). Excavations began in the 1930s, conducted by the Italian School of Archaeology at Athens A. Della Seta, the School’s director, along with his students, excavated nearly two-thirds of the settlement between 1931-1936. Further research continued in phases through the 1980s, with the aim of restoring the buildings.
Poliochni’s development during the Early Bronze Age is marked by color-coded phases. The Blue Period (3200–2700 BC), probably before Troy I, saw a population of around 800–1,000, growing to nearly 1,500 in the Green Period (2700-2400 BC). The city declined in the Red Period (2400–2200 BC) and was abandoned during the Yellow Period (2200–2100 BC) after a major earthquake. (Source: poliochne.gr)
The best-preserved and most thoroughly investigated section of the enclosure wall – measuring 130 m in length, 4.50 m in preserved height, and between 0.70 and 2.80 meters in thickness – is the one that defines the west and south sides of the hill of Poliochne. This structure, of a public and multifaceted nature, is closely linked to the architecture and organization of the Early Bronze Age settlement. (Source: poliochne.gr)
Excavation research in the eastern sector (left, Source: poliochne.gr). Depas cup (Amphikypellon) from Poliochne, found in 1953, Early Bronze Age (2200-2100 BC), height 0,224 m, Archaeological Museum of Lemnos. The depas is a distinctive Bronze Age drinking cup mentioned by Homer, characterized by a tall, narrow beaker with a round base and two opposing handles forming a circle (right, Source: odysseus.culture.gr)
Room 643 at Poliochne yielded a golden hoard, contemporary with the one discovered by Schliemann at Troy, which demonstrates the owner’s financial and political importance and the extent to which wealth was accumulated with the creation of social classes. Hair rings (top left), a pin (bottom left), necklaces (middle) and a choker (bottom right). The hoard is exhibited at the Athens National Archaeological Museum. (Source: Austrian Archaeological Institute)
Basket earrings with dangling pendants, Poliochne, Lemnos, Early Bronze Age (ca. 2450-2200 BC), Athens, National Archaeological Museum. Especially close ties with artifacts in the Trojan Gold are visible in items such as gold basket earrings worked in filigree and granulation with dangling pendants of cutout gold sheet found at Poliochne. (ca. 2450-2200 BC) (Source: academia.edu)
Lemnos is a beautiful island in the northern Aegean Sea, shaped by volcanic eruptions in the distant past. It boasts a centuries-old history and is a popular holiday destination that captivates visitors with its striking rock formations, unusual volcanic landscapes, rolling green hills, fertile plains, vast sand dunes, golden beaches, and wetlands teeming with life — an ideal place to relax. The island is home to impressive archaeological sites, fortresses, traditional villages, and warm, hospitable locals. Its distinctive and delicious cuisine is considered among the best in the Aegean, featuring products renowned since antiquity — including wine, honey, cheese, fresh fish, and seafood dishes.
Myrina is the capital and main port of Lemnos, built on the site of the island’s ancient town on the west coast. It is named after the wife of Thoas, the first king of Lemnos. The town’s slab-paved alleys, seaside promenade lined with traditional residences, and the castle overlooking the harbor offer some of the most picturesque views on the island. The Byzantine castle stands on a steep, rocky peninsula. It was originally constructed by Byzantine Emperor Andronicus I Comnenus and later took its final form in the early 13th century under Filocalo Navigajoso, the Venetian Grand Duke of Lemnos. (Source: visitgreece.gr, Photo: limnos.gov.gr)
Houses of the so-called “Macedonian type,” where the second floor projects outward and is supported by wooden beams (known as sachnisi), can be seen in the narrow alleys of Myrina. This architectural style is also found on other islands in the northeastern Aegean. The 19th century was a period of economic prosperity for Lemnos. The growth of trade and the influx of wealth from Lemnian emigrants created new economic conditions, which are reflected in the island’s architectural character. (Source: limnosguide.com.gr)
Hephaestia is an ancient town located on the northern coast of Lemnos. The town was named in honor of Hephaestus, the Olympian god of fire and metallurgy, whose worship was prominent on the island. Myth has it that Hephaestus, had his workshop on Limnos Island. He landed on the legendary Mt. Mosychlo, when Zeus, the father of gods, in his anger seized him and threw him away from Mt. Olumpus. From the 8th to the 6th century BCE, Hephaestia served as the island’s capital. The ancient Greek theater at the site dates from the late 5th to early 4th century BC. (Photo: limnos.gov.gr)
The winding shoreline stretches and curves for 260km, shaping the island’s sheltered coves, picturesque little harbors, and golden sandy beaches washed by crystal-clear waters.
Plati Beach, just a short distance from Myrina, is known for its well-developed facilities. (Source: limnosguide.com.gr)
Agios Ioannis, with its shallow, crystal-clear waters and organized beach awarded the Blue Flag, is an ideal place to watch the sunset. (Source: limnosguide.com.gr)
The silky white sand, and the crystal-clear, green-azure and calm waters, render Zematas one of the most popular beaches on the island. Its shallow waters are excellent for families with young children. (Source: limnosguide.com.gr)
On the north part of the island, on the hillsides of Katalakkos village lies an area of uncommon beauty. Pachies Ammoudies, are dunes of fine sand, which alongside the scattered brush woods recall the charm of the desert at the north of the Aegean Sea. Expanding over an area of 17.5 acres, they create a magnificent landscape that is unique in Greece. (Source: limnosguide.com.gr)
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TAGS: AEGEAN | ARCHAEOLOGY | DEMOCRACY | LEMNOS | TOURISM
