Mesolithic Human Remains from Kythnos Island, Greece

A sum of at least seven human Mesolithic burials is presented from cape Maroulas - Loutra site - of Kythnos island (Aegean sea). Prof. A. Sampson excavated them during 1996-7 and the research is steel in progress. The study of the remains gave the following results: The measurements of the human bones indicate that they belonged to Europeoids and probably to the Aegean anthropological type. Hyperplatymeria and eurycnemia are also detected. Although these characteristics are bibliographically known since the Neolithic times, the Kythnos remains suggest reconsideration. These traits are directly connected to the slender-build of the bones and are characteristic of the Aegean inhabitants, reconfirming that they are not of Afro-centric but of local origin. The fact that in such a small island were found more than seven burials suggests a considerable demographic development during Mesolithic times. It probably was analogous to today's insular Aegean countryside, considering also the extensive fishing occupation of various other Mesolithic excavations in the territory, such as Franchthi and Youra caves.