Monday, July 20, 2015

Benefiting from its mines which brought wealth to Athens since ancient times, the Lavreotiki (Lavrio) area – a peninsula in SouthEast Attica region- is an important geological and historical place. The local mining activity started in the Neolithic Age (4th millennium BC). 

During classical times, lead and silver had become one of the main sources of income of the city-state of Athens, and was used for minting coins and raising army and fleet. Today, the Minsitry of Culture, together with the region of Attica have decided to restore the broader archaeological area which includes the ancient theatre of nearby Thoriko, the ancient residential area around that, as well as the Mycenaean domed tombs - aka beehive tombs- found in the surrounding area.

Moreover, to highlight the importance of the geological activity, there will be a Museum dedicated to the history of mining.

Mediterranean Geoexperience: The Mining Museum of Milos Island in the Cyclades & The Serifos Mines & Belgian School at Athens: Thorikos