Excavations and restoration of a unique monument on the small island of Sikinos, one of the more remote and less visited Cyclades islands, have revealed an untouched grave containing the skeleton of a woman and numerous priceless artifacts. The box-shaped grave was located in a concealed portion of the Episkopi site's underground, ostensibly in order to avoid tomb raiders.
THANOS KARTSOGLOU
Several precious items of jewelry adorned the body entombed in the grave, denoting a prominent resident of the island, including gold rings, bracelets, necklaces, along with glass and metallic vases.
THANOS KARTSOGLOU
One assessment is that the building, dated to late antiquity and subsequently serving as a Christian church during the Byzantine era, was as an impressive mausoleum for the woman. An up-until-now funereal inscription discovered at the monument cites the name "NeikO" - spelled Νεικώ, in Greek.
THANOS KARTSOGLOU
The monument itself resembles a temple, and due to its height is considered as unique in the Greek world. A settlement was built up around the monument in subsequent centuries, including a monastery and chapels.
