 Naxos Archaeological Museum |
The wealth of finds brought to light by the archaeological excavations that have been carried out for many years now, in a tireless attempt to uncover all the treasures of the past, indicate that Naxos was the most important center of the Cycladic civilization (4000 - 1000 B.C.). Traces of a Cycladic settlement have been discovered at "Korfari ton Amygdalion", not far from Panormos, and a major settlement of stone-built houses has been found at Grotta. Among other items also discovered were funeral gifts from tombs dating from the Cycladic period made of copper, silver and gold, various pots and vessels, marble utensils and implements made out of wood, stone and copper. |
The findings most representative of this
period, however, are the splendid Cycladic figurines, marble statuettes
of the human form, with simple, austere lines that show a singular sensitivity.
The island's first inhabitants were the Thracians and the Pelasgians,
followed by the Carians from whose leader, Naxos, the island took its
present name. In ancient times, the island was known variously as Dia,
Strongyli and Dionysias.
During its history, the Ionians from Attica settled on the island and
a major civilization developed there. The islanders became a force to
be reckoned with. Emissaries were sent to colonize Arkesini and Aigiali
on Anafi; close links were maintained with Santorini and Chalkis, and
later (7th century B.C.), the islanders were involved in clashes with
Milos and Paros, and it was in a battle with the Parians that Archilochus,
the great lyric poet of the time who hailed from Paros, was killed.
The power and wealth of the island and its flourishing arts, especially
sculpture, can be seen in the lavish offerings made by the people of Naxos
on the sacred island of Delos,
which include the house of the Naxians, the Stoa of the Naxians,
the Terrace of the Lions, the statue of a woman dedicated by the
wealthy Naxian lady Nikandra, which is now housed in the National
Archaeological Museum in Athens and the Colossus of the Naxians.
The island was ruled by aristocrats and the ruling classes were called
"pachis".