The first excavation season of the international research project concluded with great success and the discovery of important new findings regarding the long history of Kythira EVOKE – VYTHOULAS (Exploring the Origins of Vythoulas in the Kythera Area), under the direction of the EVOKE–VYTHOULAS Research Program (Dr. Tamar Hodos, Dr. Konstantinos Trimmis, Dr. Lita Tzortzopoulou-Gregory).
This year's 2026 research season marks the start of a five-year international program that focuses on the location of Vythoula —the only site known to date on Kythira with an uninterrupted human presence from the Neolithic period to the present day. The aim of the research is to highlight the island’s pivotal role as a conduit for communication and interaction in the broader Mediterranean basin.
A warm welcome from the local community
With the completion of this year’s work, the program’s management and scientific team extended a heartfelt «thank you» to the local community of Kythira, which embraced the project from the very beginning. Farm owners, local businesses, church and cultural organizations, as well as benefactors of the island, generously offered their hospitality, trust, and support, exceeding all expectations.
Special mention is made of the program’s great benefactor and donor Peter Maneas (Sydney), as well as in the Dimitrios Skevofylakas, who allowed the work to be carried out on his property.
At the same time, the research team would like to express its heartfelt thanks to all its supporters and sponsors:
- The Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust (Australia)
- Trifyllio Foundation of Kythira
- Provetza Café
- Kythira River Philharmonic Orchestra
- Exantas – Books and Technology
- Karidi Studio
- Avlemona Beautification and Cultural Association «O Filoxenos»
- Kythira Foundation for Culture and Development (KIPA)
- Kythira Structural Insulation Company Kalligeros (Spanos)
- Holy Metropolis of Kythira and Antikythira & Parish Council of Panagia Ilarioitissa in Potamos
- Committee for Domestic Property of Kythira and Antikythira
- Emmanuel Koukakis
- Panaretos Restaurant
- Karava Bakery
Investing in Knowledge and the Future
As the Program Directorate emphasizes, support for the local community is not merely a donation, but a substantial investment in scientific knowledge, the training of young archaeologists, and the international promotion of Kythira’s cultural heritage.
The research team is returning to the island for the Summer of 2027, at which time the second excavation season will take place.
For more information about the archaeological research in Vythoula, those interested can visit the website dioramasproject.org.
