Skarkos

Skarkos is an early Bronze Age settlement on the island of Ios in Greece [1]. Owing to its well preserved state, Skarkos is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the Aegean and especially the Cyclades [1]. The settlement of Skarkos is situated on a hill near the west coast of Ios, just outside the main town [1]. Skarkos was systematically excavated during the years 1984-1997 [1]. The excavations have been carried out in the north and east sides of the hill [1]. They have brought to light an important early Cycladic settlement (mid-3rd millennium BC) in an exceptionally good state of preservation, and an overlying late middle/early late Bronze Age cemetery (mid-2nd millennium BC) [1]. The settlement covers an area of 1.1 hectares and is the largest and best preserved site of the Keros-Syros culture, estimated to have been home to between 200 and 300 people [1]. Excavations have unearthed several small artifacts such as marble figurines, obsidian ware, seals, ceramics, marble and stone vessels, tools, animal bones and seashells [1].