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 One way to gain insight into the mystery surrounding Paros' past is to explore the island and its surroundings.
1. Looking at the stone walls and mountain ranges, you can see the stones that were once used by the first inhabitants of the island, who inhabited Paros thousands of years ago, in the Paleolithic era. Most likely, they lived in caves in small groups. Traces of their habitation have been found in the Demonon's cave on the hill of Agios Georgios in Lagada, near Aspro Korio, in a cave on Antiparos and in many other natural hiding places.
2. On Salyagos, archaeologists have discovered the ruins of a Neolithic settlement (4300 - 3900 BC). Perhaps hundreds of years ago similar villages existed in other parts of Paros. On the islands of the Cyclades, especially in Mykonos, Ios and Kythnos, more and more ruins of Neolithic settlements are constantly being discovered. Their historical inhabitants, most likely, fed on fishing, hunting and agriculture, which had already begun to gain popularity. The island of Salyagos, opposite Antiparos, has presented archaeologists with the most ancient finds that testify to the history of Paros. Some of them are on display in the Saliagos Museum.
3. Many Cycladic graves have been found in Paros, from about 3200 to 2000 BC. Cycladic sculptures found at burial sites are exhibited in many Cycladic museums. On other islands, ruins of settlements from that era have been discovered. On Paros, such settlements were found in Castro near Parikia, in Drios (Pyrgaki), in Gilf, Alykia (Avissos) and in the outskirts of Kolibitres near Naoussa (there are also ancient tombs of that period). Perhaps even more impressive finds await us in the future.
4. On Paros, unlike Santorini, the Minoan civilization (2000 - 1500 BC) did not leave its traces, although the settlement in Castro near Parikia was founded between 2400 and 2100 BC and was inhabited just at the peak of development Minoan civilization. Nevertheless, its representatives did not settle on the island - for the local residents, they remained merchant travelers. A combination of the monuments of the Minoan and Cycladic civilizations can be observed in Milos, Kea and Santorini.
5. The palace of the times of the Mycenaean civilization was discovered in the town of Koukounaries near Naoussa. It was inhabited at the end of the XIII century BC and served as a military fortress for its inhabitants.
6. The history of the island's development in subsequent years remains a mystery. When the ancient people discovered iron and invented writing, a real revolution took place in the world, which changed the conditions of existence in all corners of the Oycumene. The Dorians moved to the Peloponnese, and the Phoenicians established dominion over the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea.
7. In the following centuries, active migration of tribes took place on the islands of the Aegean Sea.
The Arcadians settled on Paros, who later mingled with the Ionians who came to the island after them. During Homer's time, Paros became the center of maritime trade. At this time, the famous poet Archilokos (VIII century BC) was born on the island. Historical evidence of that era includes the ruins of an ancient cemetery, where the poet's father may have been buried, as well as the ruins on the island of Despotico.
8. Many monuments of ancient architecture, found mainly in the vicinity of Parikia, belong to this era. The place where the temple of Dimitra was located, the famous cultural center of the Cycladic and Aegean civilization, is still unknown.The temples of Eileithia, Ipathos Diaz, Aphrodite (in Delion), Asclepius and Apollo Pythias rise in the hills, but the site where the ancient city theater was located has not yet been found.
9. In 146 BC Paros came under the rule of Rome and became one of the Roman provinces - along with other islands, as well as Central and Southern Greece. On this and other islands of the Cyclades, many objects of the Roman civilization were discovered.
With the emergence of the powerful Roman Empire, the city-states ceased to exist, which was also facilitated by the events of the Macedonian era. During this period, Milos, Paros, Sifnos and Thera reached their heyday, although no historical evidence has been found to support this fact.
Delos all this time remained a religious center, simultaneously turning into the main trading port for the entire Aegean Sea.
10. Traces of Byzantine rule on the island (IV-XIII centuries AD) are represented by the temple of Ekatontapiliani and the churches of Treis Ekklisies (which literally means “three churches”). Even during this period, city-states did not exist: the entire empire was ruled from the center in Constantinople. The islands of the Aegean Sea in this era turned into naval bases for the Byzantine fleet, but they also retain their former role.
11. Byzantine civilization was replaced by the rule of the Franks (XIII-XVI centuries AD) and Venetians, who left their traces in Castro near Parikia, in Naoussa, Kefalos near Marissa and Antiparos. It is worth noting that along with the conquerors, speakers of other languages and cultures came to the island. At this time, ancient monuments acquire special significance - the rulers actively acquire them and sell them in European markets.
12. There are few monuments of Turkish rule on the island: the Turks did not live here, but only periodically sent military and officials to Paros to collect taxes. During this period, new settlements appeared on the island (Lefkes, Kostos and Marmara).
13. With the emergence of the new Greek state, Paros develops on a par with other islands. Inspired by the long-awaited liberation, the inhabitants of all the islands of the Aegean Sea in one impulse embark on an active agricultural and marine activity.
14. Over time, a great island civilization develops on Paros, ending with immigration that began in the 1950s. The 1970s saw the decline of island culture, associated with the active introduction of the principles of commercialization and the destruction of the natural environment of Paros in the pursuit of tourism revenues. Today the island is in danger of completely losing its individuality and natural charm, becoming a common resort for Athenians who come here for a couple of days to relax and unwind. It is vital for the islanders to develop a program that combines the careful development of the tourism industry with respect for the ancient civilization of Paros and the unique character of the island.
I.S. Lotov
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