Ο νεολιθικός οικισμός του Στρόφιλα στην Άνδρο

Χριστίνα Α. Τελεβάντου Στο Π. Τριανταφυλλίδης (επιμ.) 2017. Το Αρχαιολογικό Έργο στα Νησιά του Αιγαίου. Διεθνές Επιστημονικό Συνέδριο, Ρόδος, 27 Νοεμβρίου-1 Δεκεμβρίου 2013, Τόμος Β, Μυτιλήνη: 263-272.

The plateau of Strofilas is a naturally fortified site on the West coast of Andros, suitable for the control of the sea-route towards the Cyclades and in sight of a wide area from Attica and Euboea to Paros. Here extended the remains of a unique in size and state of preservation fortified settlement that based on all evidence provided till now, appears to have flourished in the last phase of the Late Neolithic period, the Final Neolithic. The settlement is protected by a significantly mighty fortification wall, strengthened by curvilinear bastions of a forerunning type and a well-constructed gate. The architectural nucleus of the settlement is exceptionally dense, with buildings either apsidal or rectangular in plan, which make a strong impression with their large size, their numerous rooms, and their well-constructed and strong masonry, as well as their favorable state of preservation.

Archaeological finds occur in abundance: pottery, stone and bone implements, obsidian artifacts, jewellery, figurines, bronze objects and more. In addition, of special significance are the rock art representations (e.g. ships, ring-idols, animals -deer, goat-), executed in a stone pitting or engraving technique both along the fortification wall and inside the settlement. Strofilas, with its early urban structures and the works of collective efforts (e.g. the fortification wall, the sanctuary), would certainly have kept a significant and distinctive place in the region of the prehistoric Aegean islands.