Milos

Since time immemorial Milos has derived attention and economic benefits from its quite varied geology. For the old Minoans, it was obsidian that attracted them, as well as other minerals of its volcanic soils. It became the most important of the Cyclades Islands. Today geology still plays an important role, as bauxite (for aluminium), perlite and caolin (for porcelain) give the island its economic stability Milos is more or less square, with a great harbor in the middle that opens to the north. It is probably an old volcanic island, with the crater in the center, at sea level. As with all volcanic isles, it is very fertile, and different grains and wheat are grown here, as well as extensive olive orchards. The old walled city of Milos was extremely rich, and was built along ledges made in the mountain, with the lower ones thick and fortress-like, in defense against the terrible pirates that were so common. We had the opportunity of seeing some of these walls, as well as a small Roman amphitheater, facing out to sea, and of visiting the capital, Plaka, which has an archaeological museum harboring a plaster copy of the real and most famous statue ever, the Venus de Milo. This statue was found in 1820, and appropriated by the French (her arms were knocked off in the melee surrounding her abduction). The museum also contains a good collection of Neolithic pottery. We also visited the Early Christian Catacombs.