A Heartfelt Thank You

With the completion of the first excavation season of the international research project EVOKE–VYTHOULAS (Exploring Vythoulas Origins in Kythera Environs), the research team would like to express its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this year's fieldwork.

Τhe EVOKE 2026 team 

The 2026 excavation season concluded with outstanding results, bringing to light important new evidence for the history of Vythoulas—the only site on Kythera currently known to have been continuously inhabited from the Neolithic period to the present day. This first excavation season marks the beginning of a five-year international research programme dedicated to exploring Kythera's role as a key hub of communication and interaction across the wider Mediterranean.

This success, however, belongs not only to the research team, but also to the people of Kythera, who welcomed the project with enthusiasm, generosity, and genuine interest. From the very first day of fieldwork, the landowners who allowed excavation trenches to be opened on their properties, local residents, businesses, cultural organisations, and supporters across the island embraced the project beyond all expectations, offering their trust, hospitality, and invaluable assistance.

The excavation would not have been possible without the generous financial and in-kind support we received. We would therefore like to extend our heartfelt thanks to:

• The Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust (Australia)

• Trifylleio Foundation of Kytherians

• Provetza Café

• Potamos Philharmonic Society

• Exantas – Books & Technology

• Karidi Studio

• Avlemonas Cultural Association "O Philoxenos"

• Kytherian Cultural & Development Foundation (KIPA)

• Domomonotiki Kytheron Kalligeros (Spanos)

• The Holy Metropolis of Kythera and Antikythera and the Parish Council of Panagia Ilariotissa, Potamos

• Kythira and Antikythira Local Property Committee

• Emmanouil Koukakis

• Panaretos Restaurant

• Karavas Bakery

We would also like to offer our special thanks to the project's major benefactor and donor, Peter Maneas (Sydney), as well as to Dimitrios Skevofylakas, who generously allowed us to conduct excavations on his property.

The generosity of all those listed above represents far more than support for a research project. It is an investment in knowledge, scientific research, and the preservation and promotion of Kythera's unique cultural heritage. Thanks to their contribution, EVOKE–VYTHOULAS can continue to generate new knowledge, train the next generation of archaeologists, and strengthen the international profile of Kythera through archaeological research.

EVOKE's three directors:  Lita, Tamar, and Konstantinos.

On behalf of the entire research team, we express our heartfelt gratitude for your trust, hospitality, and support. We look forward to returning to Kythera in 2027 for our second excavation season and to continuing, together with the local community, the uncovering of the island's remarkable and long history.

For more information about the Vythoulas excavation, please visit dioramasproject.org/evoke

The Directors of the EVOKE–VYTHOULAS Research Project

Professor Tamar Hodos

Dr Konstantinos Trimmis

Dr Lita Tzortzopoulou-Gregory