Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – Samos is a significant island in the eastern Aegean, separated from the Turkish coast by the Straits of Mykale. The island’s landscape is defined by two prominent mountains: Mt Karvounis in the center and Mt Kerkis in the west, both composed primarily of marble and schist.
The majority of Samos’s agricultural land is found in the east, particularly on the low-lying Chora plain, which is surrounded by mountainous terrain. Notable landmarks include the Sanctuary of Hera on the plain’s southwestern edge and Pythagoreio at its eastern boundary.
Credit: Map of Samos and the Aegean, showing the area investigated by WASAP. Credit: Michael Loy
In western Samos, land stretches between Mt Kerkis and Mt Karvounis (also known locally as ‘Ampelos’). Here, two main basins provide fertile ground: Xirokampos near Karlovasi to the north and Velanidia south of Marathokampos to the south. Both areas feature Neogene marl soils that support agriculture. Additionally, gentler lower mountain slopes—especially those southwest between Marathokampos and nearby foothills—offer further opportunities for cultivation.
Historically, Samos was renowned for exporting natural resources such as timber, marble, olive oil, and wine during the first millennium BCE. Western regions likely contributed significantly to this output through activities like vine and olive cultivation; growing legumes (with some wheat, barley, oats); maintaining fruit orchards with pomegranates and figs; animal husbandry involving sheep, goats, horses; beekeeping; and stone quarrying.
While detailed historical records about southwestern Samos are limited, recent research from The West Area of Samos Archaeological Project (WASAP) has focused on Marathokampos plain and coastal areas between Koumeiika in the east to Limnionas in the west. Their findings offer valuable new insights into human activity across this region from Archaic through Byzantine times.
Researchers from the West Area of Samos Archaeological Project (WASAP) have employed intensive pedestrian surveys and advanced digital techniques to collect and analyze over 1,300 ceramic fragments from the island of Samos.
Historically, Samos was a prominent center of Ionian culture, celebrated for its Samian wines and distinctive red pottery, known to the Romans as Samian ware. The island’s most notable architectural achievement is the archaic Temple of Hera (the Heraion), built in the Ionic order.
During periods of significant migration, Samos received an Ionian population originating from Epidaurus in Argolis and became one of the twelve founding members of the Ionian League. By the 7th century BCE, it had established itself as a leading commercial hub in Greece.
A Village Economy At Heart
In their recent study, researchers mapped archaeological finds across Samos’s landscape—many consisting of pottery fragments unearthed through ploughing or erosion. This work led to the identification of 15 “Areas of Interest” that represent concentrated zones of ancient activity spanning the Archaic to Byzantine periods (approximately 7th century BCE to 15th century CE).
Samos, Greece. Credit: Durham University
Analysis suggests that pre-modern Samos maintained a predominantly self-sufficient economy focused on local production, with limited evidence for long-distance imports. Although traditionally viewed as a major maritime trade center, this survey reveals that daily life in southwestern rural areas was more inward-looking than previously assumed.
The scarab found on Skoubides hill. Credit: Francesca Zandonai
The findings also shed light on changing settlement patterns: small seasonal port complexes gradually evolved into larger settlements. Overall, this research enhances our understanding of ancient Samos by illustrating how rural communities operated alongside maritime centers within a complex but locally oriented network.
See also: More Archaeology News
The project integrated various digital humanities methods—including field-based digital data collection, GIS mapping, and computational route modeling—demonstrating how new technologies are transforming interpretations of ancient economies and daily life.
The study was published in The Annual of the British School at Athens
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer