Poliochni
• The oldest urban center in Europe
• Most important prehistoric city on Limnos
• The oldest parliamentary body in the world
• Strategic, geographic location, adjacent to the coast of Asia Minor
Poliochni was established in the 4th millennium B.C., sits on the eastern shores of the island and was the focal point of life and commerce during prehistoric times. Its shores face the fabled city of Troy (in Asia Minor), which itself was settled one century later and is also considered one of Europe’s oldest cities. The city’s ruins were discovered in 1930 during an archeological dig by the Italian Archeological School. The city was built alongside a low hill, with a complex grid scheme and layout and included stone houses, wells, protective walls, roads, public buildings and even a governing body. This parliamentary council is considered to be the first of its kind in the Western World.
Its key, geographic location near Asia Minor is the main reason for its emergence and prominence as a busy, regional urban center. Myths, such as the Argonauts and the Trojan War, reveal the importance of the island, and in turn of Poliochni as a commercial port. The early inhabitants took advantage of the fertile soil and exchanged surplus crops for raw metals. The vast amount of gold and jewelry discovered during the excavations really demonstrates the wealth the inhabitants had, and are reminiscent of the so-called “Treasure of Priam” found inside a clay pot. To view and appreciate this rare collection of gold and jewelry, you will have to travel to Athens and visit the National Archeological Museum.
After a series of other excavations in the surrounding area, 5 other smaller settlements were discovered. Sadly, Poliochni and the other communities were destroyed in 1600 B.C. after a series of successive earthquakes, over a span of some 500 years.
Visiting Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 08:00 - 15:00
Phone: +30 22540 91249