The town of Phylakopi is an ancient Minoan city located in the northeastern part of the island of Milos and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the entire Aegean Sea dating back to the Bronze Age. What makes this city particularly significant is its constant presence throughout the entire Bronze Age period, from the middle third millennium BCE to the 12th century BCE. This has enabled an in-depth study of the different chronological periods of the Bronze Age in the Aegean area.

Excavations of the Ancient City of Phylakopi were conducted by the British School of Athens in several phases. Initial excavations were carried out at the end of the 19th century, specifically between 1896 and 1899, under the supervision of manager Duncan MacKenzie. These excavations revealed an unknown Bronze Age Cycladic settlement, covering from the Early Bronze Age to the Late Bronze Age. This suggested the division of the development of the ancient city of Phylakopi into three phases, which will be described later. Excavations were last resumed by Colin Renfrew from 1974 to 1947 and revealed a previously unknown sanctuary.

The Ancient City of Phylakopi can be divided into three phases. The earliest settlement, dating from about 3000-2000 B.C., covers an area of about 200 meters and has no organized street layout. However, in addition to the remains of dwellings, a relatively organized ancient cemetery was discovered. During this period, the settlement grew because of the trade in obsidian, a volcanic stone used for making knives, tools and arrows.

In the second phase (2000-1550 BC), the settlement prospered and became an important center in the Cycladic islands. The town of Phylakopi was densely populated, and blocks of houses were found arranged in a checkerboard pattern, separated by long straight streets. Walls were built to protect the city from enemy attacks, and tombs were located outside the walls. During this period, trade with different regions of Greece developed, increasing Phylakopi’s wealth and prestige. Pottery making developed and was perfected, probably influenced by Minoan art. Valuable finely decorated artifacts from this period were found. This phase ended with the destruction of Phylakopi, probably by an earthquake or fire caused by enemies.

The ancient city of Phylakopi was rebuilt, marking the beginning of the third and final phase (1550-1100 BC). During this period, Phylakopi had an organized and complex street plan, protected by massive walls more than 6 meters thick. The houses were larger, some two-story. At the beginning of this phase, clear Minoan cultural influences were observed in the artifacts. The discovery of a Megaron, a typical Mycenaean structure, led to the hypothesis that Phylakopi was under the political control of the Minoans. During this period, the “Hall of Pillars” was built using pillars and worked stone blocks. Inside there were traces of a well-preserved fresco depicting a flying fish. The so-called “Palace” probably served as the administrative center of the settlement, as evidenced by the discovery of a tablet fragment found inside the structure. Valuable artwork and ceramic sculptures from this period, such as the “Lady of Phylakopi,” are preserved at the Archaeological Museum of Milos. Beginning in 1200 BC, the Aegean region experienced a gradual decline due to shifting trade routes, and as a result the city of Phylakopi was finally abandoned in 1100 BC.

Of what remains of the Ancient City of Phylakopi, much of it has been submerged by the sea. However, it is still possible to admire the imposing walls built of volcanic stone, the temple and the city palace. Numerous artifacts from Phylakopi, such as sculptures, ceramic vessels, seals, and jewelry, are on display at the Archaeological Museum of Athens and the Archaeological Museum of Milos.

If you are vacationing on the island of Milos and want to learn about its thousand-year history, the Ancient City of Phylakopi is definitely worth a visit. The site is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.