Milos is volcanic in origin. It has come late into
the sightseeing scene, having traditionally relied on
mining as the mainstay of the local economy.
The island of Milos has been inhabited since
the neolithic age and has known early
prosperity due to a black, glass-like volcanic
rock known as obsidian, used for tools and
weapons. Phylakopi was an important settlement
with a history extending over 2,000 years.
Findings from Phylakopi include the flying-fish
and fishermen frescos, as well as the Lady of
Phylakopi statuette.
Milos is the discovery site of the famous
statue of Venus de Milo, now at the Louvre
Museum in Paris. The imposing 2.5 metres-tall
statute of Poseidon displayed at the National
Archaeological Museum in Athens, is another
example of the creative Hellenistic
period.
