The island of Dokos, situated between Hydra and the Argolid coast, lies along an important maritime route connecting the Argolic Gulf with the Saronic Gulf. This strategic position explains why in antiquity the island hosted a naval station and settlement, probably dating back to around 2500 BC. Although the island is uninhabited today, its location made it an important point along the commercial sea routes of the region.
Excavations at Cape Kommeni Myti, the northeastern tip of Skintos Bay, have revealed the remains of a settlement dating to the Mycenaean period (1300 – 1200 BC). These findings confirm that Dokos formed part of the wider network of maritime stations and settlements that supported navigation across the Aegean during the Late Bronze Age.
At the top of the hill overlooking Skintos Bay stand the ruins of a Byzantine castle and a basilica church, evidence that the island continued to be used during the Byzantine period. After that time the island was gradually abandoned and has remained uninhabited ever since.
Dokos gained particular archaeological importance in 1975, when the American archaeologist Peter Throckmorton dived near Cape Kommeni Myti and, at depths between 25 and 30 metres, discovered what is considered the oldest known shipwreck in the world. The wreck belongs to a merchant vessel of the Early Helladic II period (2200 – 2300 BC), whose cargo was found almost intact. Although the wooden hull had long since disappeared, archaeologists recovered hundreds of objects including vases, plates, tools, parts of the ship’s equipment and two roughly carved stone anchors. It is believed that the ship was struck by an exceptionally strong westerly wind before it managed to leave its harbour.
The Bay of Skintos forms the only natural harbour of Dokos. It was used as a refuge by the sailors of Hydra during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. For many years entry into the bay was prohibited, as archaeological work was still ongoing in the area, and it was only reopened to navigation in 2017 after the main phase of the underwater excavations had been completed.
Sights
Prehistoric Settlement of Dokos
On the eastern side of the island lie the remains of a Bronze Age settlement, evidence of very early habitation.
The Dokos Prehistoric Shipwreck
Near Cape Kommeni lies one of the oldest known shipwrecks in the world, whose cargo of pottery has provided valuable insight into early Aegean trade.
