By Babis Kokosis, ertnews.gr
Two days ago, the restored archaeological site of Poliochni, located on the eastern coast of Lemnos, was officially inaugurated in the presence of Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, local authorities, and a large crowd. Poliochni, often described as “the oldest city in Europe,” is considered one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean, offering unique evidence of early urban and social organization dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE.
In her address, the Minister of Culture emphasized:
“Poliochni is a unique example of historical continuity and the exceptional cultural richness of the Aegean. It is not merely an important archaeological site; it is tangible proof of early social and urban organization, commercial extroversion—particularly due to metallurgy—and human creativity, dating from the 3rd millennium BCE.
Lemnos, a place deeply connected to mythology, was the home of the god Hephaestus, the divine smith, and his sons, the Cabeiri. It is here that the paths of Hypsipyle and Jason cross, in one of the most emblematic narratives of ancient Greek mythology—elements that reinforce Lemnos' timeless identity and make it a reference point in Aegean civilization.
The archaeological sites of Poliochni on Lemnos, Thermi on Lesbos, Emporio on Chios, and Palamari on Skyros form a unique cultural route that highlights and documents the richness of the 3rd and 2nd prehistoric millennia in the Aegean.
One of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean
The restoration of the archaeological site of Poliochni was completed with a total budget of approximately €5,000,000, funded by the North Aegean Regional Operational Programme (NSRF 2014–2020) and the Recovery and Resilience Facility managed by the Ministry of Culture.
Every cultural project we implement—whether related to archaeological sites or museums—is not merely an act of conservation and promotion of our cultural heritage but a dynamic investment in the future of our land. Cultural heritage is a lever for development. It strengthens the local economy, creates opportunities, inspires the younger generation, and unites societies through memory and knowledge. That is our goal: to preserve and highlight the history of Lemnos and turn it into a source of sustainable development and creativity.”
One of the Most Important Prehistoric Settlements of the Aegean
The restoration project of the archaeological site included extensive interventions across all sectors of the settlement: the central, southern, and western areas. Specifically, 22 building blocks were preserved and restored over a total area of 12 acres. The southern enclosure wall was cleaned and reinforced, and an open-air event space was created.
Accessibility to the site was improved, and new public infrastructure was established. Special emphasis was placed on the educational aspect of the project, with the implementation of programs for people with disabilities and the enrichment of site content through interactive applications and digital games.
Lina Mendoni warmly thanked the North Aegean Region for its substantial and consistent cooperation, as well as the Ephorate of Antiquities of Lesbos for its dedication, methodical approach, and effectiveness in all projects carried out on the islands under its jurisdiction.
The Parliament of Poliochni
History of the Settlement
Poliochni was uncovered in 1930 during excavations by the Italian Archaeological School at Athens, led by its then-director, Alessandro Della Seta. Alongside Troy, located across the Aegean on the coast of Asia Minor, Poliochni is one of the most well-known acropoleis of the 3rd millennium BCE in the entire northern Aegean.
The settlement was enclosed by walls, which were imposing primarily on the western side, where the proximity of a river necessitated stronger protection of the foundations against erosion. At least in its early phase, the settlement appears not to have required military defense. It was home to a peaceful population of about one thousand people, who spent their days farming and herding, returning each evening to the settlement—a practice still common among local farmers today.
This regular communal rhythm likely gave rise to some form of rudimentary social organization.
The Bouleuterion of Poliochni
The construction of wells with stone linings reaching depths of over 9 meters, the maintenance of walls, roads, and rainwater collection systems, as well as the public squares where residents gathered during festivals or leisure time, were all undertakings that required coordination, prioritization, and mutual agreement.
Thanks to its metalworking industry and strategic location at the gateway of the Hellespont straits, Poliochni emerged as a major hub in the broader northern Aegean region during the 3rd millennium BCE. It became the earliest known urban center and the first commercial port in Europe.
The findings from Poliochni support the view that a distinct prehistoric civilization developed in the islands of the northeastern Aegean, autonomous from the better-known Cycladic, Minoan, and Mycenaean cultures of the same era.
