Islands off the beaten track. An archaeological journey to the Greek islands of Kastellorizo, Symi, Halki, Tilos, and Nisyros
The first exhibition started out in the remotest eastern corner of Greek territory, the islands of Kastellorizo and Rho, and proceeded from there to the sea between Rhodes and Kos, which embraces Symi, Halki, Tilos and Nisyros, islands whose myth and history go back to very ancient times and are largely unknown.
The exhibition begun with a presentation of the islands’geographical, geological, geophysical and other features (size, shape, mountains, harbours, bays, etc.) and proceeded to describe their mythology and history through a multitude of architectural and other artefacts (statues, reliefs, vases, weapons, tools, jewellery etc.) that highlight their human presence: human society, occupations, interests, allegiances, beliefs, customs and manners.
In this way their richness and periods of prosperity are illustrated, as is their decline, and their intense presence or silence at specific periods of history. In addition to the ancient artefacts, wall panels and captions, there are also maps, pictures, photographs and brief videos about each region, as well as time charts showing every island’s main period of development.
The exhibition was accompanied by a catalogue in Greek and in English. Throughout the exhibition, a related microsite (www.agoni-grammi.gr) provided information about the exhibition and opportunities to comment (blog).
THE COMMUNITY OF THE ISLANDS TODAY
In addition to the scholarly study and presentation of the archaeological finds from these Aegean outposts, the exhibition also provideδ short videos documenting the daily problems faced by the inhabitants of these islands, such as the lack of water, medications, regular transport service, etc. Here, the aim of the Museum is to sensitise public opinion by presenting recent videos in which the inhabitants play the leading roles in their own account of everyday life.