Natalie Abell gives a tour of the site
On August 5, 2012, archaeologists and the local community of Kea, Greece came together to celebrate over half a century of archaeological research at Ayia Irini.
The site of Ayia Irini, situated on the island of Kea in the northern Cyclades, was one of the most important nodes in a complex system of trade and exchange networks that criss-crossed the Aegean throughout the Bronze Age. As a result of this strategic location, Ayia Irini and its inhabitants were able to acquire a certain degree of affluence. This is best illustrated in the construction of an impressive fortification system, the presence of a series of brightly-painted residences, a wide variety of imported artifacts, and a center of ritual activity (the so-called Temple) with a large assemblage of almost life-size terracotta figures. This important site was discovered and excavated by Professor John L. Caskey (University of Cincinnati) periodically between 1960 and 1980, with study and publication of the monuments and the movable finds he unearthed continuing to the present day.
The celebration of Ayia Irini’s archaeological research was organized by Dr. Evi Gorogianni (Institute of Aegean Prehistory/University of Akron) and Dr. Rodney Fitzsimons (Trent University), co-directors of the Ayia Irini Northern Sector Archaeological Project (AINSAP), in coordination with Municipality of Kea and Ms. Rena Velissaropoulou (vice-mayor). The purpose of the day was to mark the end of fieldwork for AINSAP — a four-year project conducted under the auspices of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens and the KA’ Ephoreia of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, and dedicated to the study and publication of the Northern Sector of the site and a reappraisal of the phenomenon of Minoanization, i.e., changes in the material culture of Aegean communities patterned on Minoan standards.
Tours of the archaeological site were open to all, with a good turnout from the local community. This is remarkable since Ayia Irini, despite being the only systematically excavated (and most easily accessible) archaeological site on the island, remains virtually unknown to the public because of the absence of posted signs.
Evi Gorogianni giving tour
In the evening, Miriam Caskey, presented a history of the Ayia Irini excavations from its establishment to Late Roman times and was able to offer an intimate and personal view of the excavations, as well as the social and physical development of the island since the 1960s. The second speaker, Dr. Gorogianni, presented the results of more recent archaeological research on the site, finishing with a presentation of the advances made by AINSAP and how they have helped shed light on the lives of the Bronze Age Keians. The day culminated in a reception where attendees enjoyed a warm and beautiful evening in the Cyclades.
Miriam Caskey drew from her own personal recollections of the original excavations in her presentation.
The event provided a positive foundation for similar programs in the future that will strengthen not only the relationship between local residents and scholars, but also will help both communities coordinate their efforts for the stewardship of their local cultural heritage.
View AINSAP website.
