Kea Prehistoric Settlement of Agia Irini

Location: Agia Irini

The Prehistoric Settlement of Agia Irini in Kea Greece, Cyclades: The area of Agia Irini in Kea hosts an ancient seaside settlement that dates back to the late Neolithic Age (approximately 3,300 BC). The first settlement in this hilly area showed that Kea had cultural interactions with continental Greece.

The settlement boasted rocky elevations constructed to overlook the sea. The regional cemetery was found at the foothills. It is believed that the inhabitants of Agia Eirini were farmers and fishermen dealing with metallurgy.

The settlement of Agia Irini also indicates that the Cycladic culture of the Early Bronze Age was present in this area from 3,000 BC to 1,500 BC. From 1,700 BC onwards, Agia Irini acted as a communication channel between the Minoan and the Mycenaean culture. The geographical location of the island and the availability of a safe harbor contributed to the social and economic development in the area.

During that period, fortified walls surrounded the settlements. The notable architectural constructions of this era included a temple and the mansion of the master. Most of the important buildings that existed on the site were constructed during the period 1,600 BC - 1,450 BC. Historians claim that a powerful earthquake, which occurred in about 1,450 BC, left the settlement in ruins.

The excavations around the area revealed eminent art objects and pottery items, such as clay ovens and long jars. The figurines of ladies with folded hands, also called "Kores", prove the esthetic excellence of this culture. Kores are small statues of girls with long clothes made of clay. The Depous amfikypellon, a narrow and tall vessel with two handles, was another item found on this site. These artifacts are today displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Ioulida.

The prehistoric settlement is not open to the public. It is protected by a fence, and entry is allowed only by archaeologists who are given permission. Tourists are only allowed to walk around the fence and get just a view of the settlement. The site contains plenty of ruins from different ages. The remnants of an old ship can also lie at the nearby bay.