The Aegean islands through time

A significant shift in the perception and exploration of the Aegean Islands occurred from the 18th to the 19th centuries, transitioning from a historic backwater during the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods to a focal point for travelers seeking the archaeological and mythological roots of Classical Greek civilization. This period saw prominent visitors like Wheler, Spon, Tournefort, Murray, and Bent contribute to the growing interest in the region's heritage. The 19th century also marked the beginning of systematic archaeological investigations, with key figures such as Fouqué discovering Akrotiri on Thera and Tsountas excavating numerous Cycladic cemeteries. Foreign schools played a pivotal role in excavating iconic sites like Phylakopi on Melos, Heraion on Samos, and Ayia Irini on Kea, among others. However, the study highlights a persistent issue of looting and forgery, particularly affecting Cycladic marble figurines, many of which lack secure provenance. From the 1970s onward, field surveys became more prevalent, employing both absolute and relative chronologies to date findings.

Berg, I. (2019). The Aegean islands through time. The Cycladic and Aegean Islands in Prehistory, 10–32. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315641089-2