POLIO SITE

It is one of the oldest villages discovered in Europe and the oldest known settlement on the island. Founded in the Neolithic period, around 4500 B.C., the city reached its peak of prosperity in the Bronze Age and probably disappeared after an earthquake. Its urban plan, visible in the remains of foundations and fortifications, suggests an early form of social and urban organization. The city owes its development to the leading role it played in trade between the islands of the north-eastern Aegean, Asia Minor, the Greek mainland and the Cyclades.