Milos
Population: 4,977 (2011)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
Milos is located in the Southwestern most of the Cyclades, approximately halfway between Athens and Crete. From east to west it measures about 23 km (14 mi), from north to south 13 km (8.1 mi). The greater portion is rugged and hilly, culminating in Mount Profitis Elias (748 metres) in the west. Like the rest of the cluster, the island is of volcanic origin. The harbour town is Adamantas.
It is a popular seasonal tourist destination, with the lunar-like landscape of Sarakiniko, volcanic gleaming white rock formations, numerous caves and mysterious catacombs. Kleftiko, a former pirate hideaway, boasts towering rock formations and emerald waters, the island is particularly popular with couples.
The natural harbour is the hollow of the main crater, and in one of the caves on the south coast, the heat from the volcano is still great, on the eastern shore of the harbour, there are hot sulfurous springs.
Numerous fine works of art have been found, such as the Aphrodite in Paris, the Asclepius in London, and the Poseidon and the archaic Apollo in Athens. Not to mention the Venus de Milo (Venus of Milos) statue, which was discovered in 1820 and is now displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Bentonite, perlite, pozzolana and small quantities of kaolin are actively collected via strip mine or open-pit mine techniques in Milos and sold all over the world. In the past, baryte, sulfur, millstones and gypsum were also mined; in fact, Milos was, apparently, the most abundant source of sulfur in the ancient world.
The Island & Its History
click image to view in Google Maps
Obsidian (a glass-like volcanic rock) from Milos was a commodity as early as 15,000 years ago. Those in search of obsidian arrived by boat, beaching in a suitable cove and cutting pieces of the volcanic glass from the quarries.
The position of Milos, between mainland Greece and Crete, and its possession of obsidian, made it an important centre of early Aegean civilisation. Milos lost its importance when bronze became the preferred material for the manufacture of weapons.
Melos was one of the first islands to join the Greek War of Independence of 1821 and during the 19th century, was a major rendezvous point for American and British ships fighting Muslim pirates in the Mediterranean.
The population peaked in 1928 at 6,562 people
Prayer Points
- The people on the island will realize their need for God and their eyes will be opened to the truth and love of God through reading the Bible for themselves.
- The Lord will work in the lives of all the God-fearing religious people already living on this island, and bring healing & refreshment to their lives.
ADOPT THIS ISLAND
If you are committed to praying for this island and its region, please drop us a note, we would love to know about it and keep you posted with prayer updates!
By completing this form, I consent to receive content from Broad Reach Maritime in accordance with our Privacy Policy.