Η προϊστορική έρευνα στη Θάσο: 1922-2012

Since 1970 archaeological data on the pre-colonial habitation of Thasos Island had been very limited. There was however some information since 1922 regarding the existence of a prehistoric settlement at Limenas. Later in the 1950’s more data became available concerning this settlement that pre-existed at the site where the Parians founded their colony. The earliest systematic excavation of a prehistoric site on Thasos was initiated in the early 1970’s at Kastri and its cemeteries in the region of Theologos. In the following years the conduct of a large-scale research project revealed a wealth of information on social organisation and the local burial customs of the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. In 1971 a settlement of the Early Bronze Age was detected at Aghios Antonios, Potos and in 1972 a trial excavation was conducted at the cave of Drakotrypa in Panagia. In 1986 an excavation project was initiated at Skala Sotiros which brought to light an impressive fortified settlement of the Early Bronze Age. Since 1993 and throughout the next decade the settlement at Limenaria was excavated, yielding evidence of habitation from the Middle Neolithic up to the 2nd millennium BC. Until today it represents the sole investigated neolithic settlement site on Thasos. During 1993-1994 trial excavations were conducted at the cave of Trypes in Maries. A settlement belonging to the 4th millennium BC was investigated at Aghios Ioannis between 1998 and 2005. Lastly from 2008 to 2010 the Early and Middle Bronze Age settlement of Aghios Antonios came to light during a recent excavation project.