Tilos: New Diachronic Museum Unveils Ancient History Through Exhibits and Artifacts

Mayor of Tylos Maria Kama, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, South Aegean Governor Giorgos Hatzimarkos. Photo source: Culture Ministry

The new Diachronic Archaeological Museum of Tilos was recently inaugurated by Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, during her working visit to several islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea.

The new museum showcases artifacts from the island of Tilos, spanning a broad historical range. Its exhibits cover periods from the Late Bronze Age (1600-1500 B.C.) to the Classical and Hellenistic periods (1050 B.C. – 1st century A.D.), including Late Antiquity, Byzantine, Crusader, and Post-Byzantine periods.

“This is a momentous and significant day,” said Lina Mendoni at the inauguration of the museum. “It is a day of celebration for the people of Tilos, who now have a museum in their local community that embodies the living culture of their civilization. It is also a day of celebration for the Culture Ministry,” she added.

Photo source: Culture Ministry

Minister Mendoni highlighted that the museum has been a long-held dream for the people of Tilos and praised the collaborative effort of many individuals and officials who worked towards realizing this goal.

The museum features a range of exhibits, including ancient cups from the Late Bronze Age discovered in the Garipa area, pottery vases from Lakkia, and a marble plaque documenting the intervention of judges from the island of Kos in a political crisis on Tilos.

Additionally, the collection includes various items from ancient necropolises, sculptures, and more. Coins and remnants of proto-Byzantine churches represent the Late Antiquity and early Christian periods, while the Byzantine, Crusader, and Post-Byzantine periods are illustrated through coins, icons, and ecclesiastical artifacts.

The museum building, constructed with a total budget of 2.6 million euros, was funded by the Culture Ministry on land donated by the Holy Archdiocese of Symi, Tilos, Chalki, and Kastelorizo.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by South Aegean Governor Giorgos Hatzimarkos, Tilos Mayor Maria Kama and numerous island residents.

During her speech, Mendoni expressed her gratitude to all officials in the South Aegean Region for their efforts and cooperation in bringing the museum to fruition.