Modern Description:
Gioúra island, further to the northeast, has revealed an even earlier human presence, c. 9,000-6,000 BC. Excavations in the floor of the ‘Cyclops Cave' (1992-6) in the interior of the south of the island have yielded, from the deepest strata, beautifully fashioned fish-hooks from animal bones (now in the Volos Archaeological Museum), together with bones and skeletons of large fish, showing that the technology of fishing was already mastered at this early date. Evidence also suggests that animal husbandry (pigs, goats and sheep) was practiced by the early part of this period. There are many caves and unusual limestone phenomena on Gioúra: the mythical association with the Cyclops may have grown up around a curious and large, circular perforation which completely pierces a scarp of rock about 40 m above water-level. The forehead-shaped bulge of rock, has the uncanny appearance of a gigantic brow with a single central eye. Gioura's impressive rock faces are home to a variety of unique chasmophytes, or cliff-growing plants – including the very rare, endemic sandwort Arenaria phitosiana. Other rarities include Campanula reiseri; a scabious, Scabiosa hymetta; and a dwarf fritillary with dark purple flower, Fritillaria sporadum. About 500 examples of an endemic species of goat, Capra aegagrus, similar to the Cretan kri-kri but a little larger, roam the island.
Info: McGilchrist's Greek Islands 
(From McGilchrist’s Greek Islands, © Nigel McGilchrist 2010, excerpted with his gracious permission. Click for the books)
