On the uninhabited island of Despotikon, to the west of Antiparos, one of the largest Cycladic sanctuaries dedicated to Apollo was flourishing some 2,500 years ago. The ongoing systematic investigation at the locality Mantra began in 1997, under the supervision of the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades, and has brought to light and extensive cultic complex – the largest in the Cyclades after that of Delos. To date, 22 buildings have been uncovered, which are dated to Geometric, Archaic and Classical times (8th – 4th c. BC), while building complexes identified on the rocky islet of Tsimintiri belonged also to the installations. The temenos of Apollo was 0.25 hectares in area. Close to it were ancillary installations and buildings, two wells and an organized system of cisterns for collecting rainwater. Although no textual sources relating to the history of the installation have survived, the archaeological data indicate that the ancient city of Paros, one of the most prosperous Cycladic city-states in the sixth and fifth centuries BC, had leading role in the sanctuary’s development.
The spatial layout of the temenos, the architecture of the buildings for worship, the richness and diversity of the votive offerings attest that this was one of the wealthiest cult centres in the Cyclades. Moreover, the location of the temenos, at the entrance to a sheltered and protected bay on one of the busiest sea lanes, would have been ideal for attracting voyagers from the whole of the Aegean. After completion of the architectural documentation of the temple and the ceremonial hestiatorion, the Central Archaeological Council approved unanimously the implementation of the study for the restoration and enhancement of the archaeological site. This is one of the most important anastylosis projects in the Cyclades, as the monument is being reconstructed to a considerable height with ancient and new material, so that its monumental character can be clearly understood. The installation on Despotikon is now one of the most important archaeological sites in the Cyclades, a living monument that is being investigated, restored and protected in order to be handed over to the public. Research on Despotikon also has a substantial educational aspect, as through collaborations with universities in Greece and abroad, dozens of student volunteers and colleagues participate in the research project each summer.
Image source: Despotikon Excavation Archive-Giannos Kouragios
