Poliochne

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Aegean Sea.

Aegean Sea island from Cape Sounion.

Ancient Greek town (Bronze Age) on Lemnos island. Unearthed by excavations of the Italian Archaeological School of Greece and believed to be one of the most ancient towns in Europe. It is believed that Troy was its main rival commercially; a rivalry that led to the decline of Poliochne circa 2000 BC. Poliochne is noted for featuring a facility for public conferences (perhaps this is one of the most ancient evidences of an administration that resembles democracy).

Interestingly, during 1994-1997, Greek archaeologists discovered a more recent Bronze Age settlement on the tiny uninhabited island of Koukonesi situated in the Moudros harbour, west of Poliochne. This settlement was developed circa 2000-1650 BC and the findings prove commercial ties with Asia Minor, Aegean Sea islands and the mainland Greece. 13th century BC Mycenaean ceramics found on Koukonesi could prove that, around the era we currently believe the Trojan War took place, the Greeks had a permanent settlement there, rather than just a commercial outpost, understanding the importance of the straits connecting the Aegean and the Black Sea.