Archaeological site of Ancient Kamiros in Rhodes

Ancient Kamiros in Rhodes is an archaeological site of great historical and cultural significance. Alongside Lindos and Ialysos, it constituted one of the three major ancient cities on the island. Flourishing from the Archaic to the Hellenistic Period, Ancient Kamiros played a crucial role as a thriving commercial center. Its historical importance is underscored by the remnants of its well-preserved structures and artifacts, unearthed during excavations in 1929.

The city’s architectural layout is characterized by an amphitheatrical construction on a slope, offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Unlike some other ancient cities, Ancient Kamiros notably lacked defensive fortifications, highlighting a unique aspect of its architectural design.

The archaeological site reveals remnants of Hellenistic and Roman buildings, including houses, the ancient Agora, a Doric temple, arches, the Hellenistic Sanctuary, and the central city street. These structures provide valuable insights into the daily life, religious practices, and economic activities of the ancient inhabitants.

Today, at the archaeological site, the remains of the Hellenistic-Roman city of Kamiros are preserved. Specifically, parts of houses and buildings, the ancient Agora, the Doric temple, some arches, the Hellenistic Sanctuary, the central street of the city, the ruins of the aqueduct, and traces of the Temple of Athena can be found. Near the archaeological site stands the Monastery of Virgin Mary, occupying the same location where the Temple of Athena stood in the 3rd century BCE. It is located thirty kilometers southwest of the city of Rhodes.

The Doric temple stands as a testament to ancient religious practices, while the ancient Agora, serving as a marketplace and communal gathering space, reflects the economic and social dynamics of the city. The absence of defensive walls suggests a sense of security or a strategic urban plan.

Situated approximately thirty kilometers southwest of the modern city of Rhodes, Ancient Kamiros remains an accessible and significant archaeological site. Its exploration not only unveils the architectural and engineering achievements of the ancient Greeks but also offers a vivid narrative of the cultural, economic, and social dimensions of an ancient city on the island of Rhodes.