Ruins and walks

Day 24

Right past the path that goes down towards Krios beach is an archeological ruin. The sign in front of it says “ αψιδωτο οικοδομημα” (domed building) as well as “édifice absidal” (apsidal building) and nothing else.

archeology on Paros

Excavations on the nearby island of Saliagos indicate that Paros has been inhabited since 3200 BC. Then around 1200 BC, King Alkeos of Crete sent a group of Minoans to Paros. The island was named Minoa and, because of its strategic position, was used as a naval station.

Around 1000 BC, the Arcadians arrived and took over the island. Since they were led by Parios, the island then became known as Paros.

So Paros has a long and animated history. And, for this reason, is archeologically rich.

Probably the earliest cult sanctuaries in Greece were little more than huts. But these huts eventually evolved into apsidal temples.

I have no knowledge of apsidal temples other than they were constructed by Hindus as well. Above is a drawing of an apsidal temple at Perachora (Corinth). It’s possible that the ruins I pass by on my way to Krios originally looked like something similar. And with a view of the sea. image via

wall at Krios

I’m not sure, but I believe many of the stone walls on Paros use the dry stone method. Dry stone is a form of construction where you try to interlock stones together like Legos so you don’t need mortar. Apparently, masonry techniques differ from one culture to the next. A few years ago, there were many Albanians on the island working in construction and their way of setting stones was not the same as that of the Greeks. A hundred years from now, when archeologists will be studying the architecture of today, will this be taken into consideration?

So, with that in mind, today’s mantra comes from Pink Floyd’s “Just Another Brick in The Wall”.

The lyrics are full of “don’t”s which I would like to avoid. However, “We don’t need no thought control” makes me think of the need to nourish our thoughts.