Rock Islet “Daskalio”

In the eastern part of Agios Efstratios, near Cape Thaskolo, lies the rocky islet of Daskalio (also called Thaskolo), a pyramid-shaped, vegetation-free islet. The area is linked to an episode of the Third Mithridatic War (73–63 BC), when three of Mithridates’ generals took refuge in a cave there, as reported by Plutarch and Appian. In the early 20th century, researchers from Agios Efstratios discovered on the islet the remains of two ancient structures. The one at the summit was an altar, while the second, on the northern slopes, was identified as a kiln because many vessels were found. The same researchers hypothesized that the altar was a trophy erected by Lucullus to honor his naval victory. However, historical sources only confirm that the battles took place around Lemnos and the island of Nea. Lastly, on the rocky islet of Daskalio is the Seal Cave, named after the seals that inhabit the area.