Sifnos is undeniably a beautiful, sunny, welcoming island and an ideal destination for the three days of the Holy Spirit.
In recent years, on the Day of the Holy Spirit, one of the oldest and most unique Greek customs, relives in Sifnos!
It is about the revival of the communication network of the ancient towers (Fryktories and citadels) of Sifnos through smoke and mirrors.
Every year, approximately 2,500 years after its first usage, communication using smoke and mirrors is renewed.
According to research, the communication between the ancient towers dates between the 6th and the 3rd century BC.
This experience is a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable that everyone should add to their wish list of adventures.
Every year, the participation of the volunteers is impressive, and the addition of more and more points proves the dynamics of the project in question, highlighting the island’s archaeological wealth.
What exactly were the ancient Fryktoria-Pyrgoi?
Traveling back to ancient times, the ancient Phryktoria were towers built at strategic points throughout the island. They formed a network with a signal exchange system so they could receive and send messages to each other as well as to and from the four ancient citadels of the island. The island’s ancient inhabitants used fire and a specific letter representation code to transmit messages over many kilometers (130), introducing the origins of the telegraph.
The positions used by the ancient Greeks were usually vantage points, mountain tops, or island capes that offered a long (distant) line of sight. On many peaks, there are still ruins or buildings that were sanctuaries in antiquity.
In the ancient texts of Orpheus, where the quest for the Golden Fleece is described, the transmission of messages between army units with Fryktories is clearly depicted.
In the Iliad and the Odyssey, Homer also thoroughly mentions the Fryktoria as a means of communication between gods and humans and between islands in the Aegean!
Notably, the positions and orientations of the Fryktoria networks, at least in the Greek area, also coincide with the functions of today’s telecommunications relays.
At this point, 75 old guard towers have been identified, which is astounding given the island’s small size of 74 square kilometers!
Without a doubt, it is one of the most significant events on the island that is gaining ground every year and is worth experiencing.
Source:www.sifnos.gr
