Abstract

The current evidence from Minoan Kythera provides a synthetic assessment of the material remains related to ritual sites, where diverse local belief-systems were expressed. The cemeteries at Kastri and across the island provide a solid corpus for comparing local practices with contemporary examples from Crete and elsewhere. The same can be seen in regard to the peak sanctuaries recovered on Kythera, i.e. Ayios Yeoryios sto Vouno and Leska, in relation to Cretan examples. In this paper, an analysis of the burial and sanctuary offerings is undertaken to investigate the interrelation of ritual sites and the extent to which common beliefs and practices can be identified. Moreover, the degree of local developments and idiosyncrasies within the broader Kytheran context during the Neopalatial period will be highlighted. This will also clarify the character and role of the cultural and religious influences from contemporary Minoan Crete. As a result, this paper will present a broader understanding of the material culture employed at the ritual sites of Neopalatial Kythera.