The numerous ancient towers scattered across many Aegean islands (Amorgos, Andros, Thasos, Ikaria, Kea, Kythnos, Mykonos, Naxos, Serifos, Sifnos, Skiathos, Paros, Tinos, etc.) and the mainland, constitute a particular type of ancient building with various uses. The vast majority of the towers are dated to around the mid-4th c. BC and up to the first quarter of the 3rd c. BC. Despite their numbers and dispersal, they present common architectural features, such as their circular, square or rectangular plan and their sturdy construction of local stone.
The towers were built in non-urban areas, in order to serve a wide range of needs depending on circumstances and location. The main motive for their construction was defence in the wider sense, i.e. the protection of people, animals and goods. The towers sometimes formed part of a wider system of defences and refuges, while others functioned as watchtowers and lighthouses. They are also often found in areas where mining activities are attested. One notable use of towers is as points in an early communication system consisting of networks of beacons (fryktoriai), for the transmission of light signals between towers in direct line of sight, in some cases covering extremely wide geographical areas. Sometimes the towers formed the main building of farmhouses owned by wealthy citizens. Towers of later date in the Cyclades, built to serve similar needs, are almost identical parallels to these.
A multitude of ancient towers, dominating the characteristic island landscape, are preserved in the Aegean. Many preserve their integrity to a striking degree, while a major project for their restoration and promotion has been undertaken in recent years.
- Cheimarros Tower, Naxos: Region of South Aegean,
- Tower of Agios Petros, Andros: Region of South Aegean
- Tower of Agia Triada, Arkesini, Amorgos: Region of South Aegean
- White Tower, Siphnos: Region of South Aegean
- White Tower, Serifos: Region of South Aegean
- Tower of Agia Marina, Kea: Region of South Aegean
- Drakanou Tower, Ikaria: Region of North Aegean
- Tower of Kastellorizo: Region of South Aegean
- Tower of Ro: Region of South Aegean
- Tower of Strongyli: Region of South Aegean
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