Ancient Tomb of Soroudi

This large structure, probably a Mycenaean ‘tholos’ (dome-shaped) burial mound (17th-11th century BC), is located at a site known locally as ‘Soroudi’ (near Pantokratora), clearly taken from the Greek word ‘soros’ (meaning ‘pile’ or ‘mound’). The construction is above ground, built on relatively flat land. Because of this, in order to retain the soil covering the mound in place, a cyclopean stepped terrace was built around the base. This is still visible despite the dense vegetation. On the west side, which is the steepest, there are ten terraces reaching a height of 5.50 metres. The maximum height of the mound and its terraced embankment reaches 20.45 meters. The roof of the tomb structure, which was probably looted in ancient times, has collapsed, together with sections of masonry from the vertical walls, and the remains can be seen scattered over the site. The Sifnian archaeologist, Iakovos Dragatsis, carried out small-scale excavations in the years 1915-1916, and found a few Roman sherds buried on the site. The ‘Soroudi’ is an impressive monument, visible from many parts of the region, with a direct line of sight to the Mycenaean acropolis on the Agios Andreas hilltop. It is not unlikely that it is the burial mound of a Mycenaean lord who was in some way connected to the sea, and that this why this vantage point, overlooking the entrance to the bay of Platy Gialos, was selected.

Source: www.sifnos.gr