Archaeological Site of Emporio

The ancient settlement of Emporios, built on Prophet Elias hill, was founded in the 8th century BC by Ionians in a strategic position for sea communications, with the coasts of Asia Minor, Samos, and Ikaria visible from there. At the summit lies a walled acropolis of the Geometric period, 800 m long. Within it stood a rectangular megaron-type building, thought to be the residence of the local ruler. In the 6th century BC, a temple of Athena was built there, while in the NW part of the archaic temple the Geometric-period altar was incorporated and used as a table of offerings. North of this building, a large rectangular altar was built in the same period and later replaced in Hellenistic times. On the western slope outside the acropolis walls, remains of houses on terraced platforms and streets have come to light.