Πολιτιστική Πύλη του Αρχιπελάγους του Αιγαίου

1. Settings – Environment

Uninhabited skerry Pergousa is located in the island complex of the Dodecanese. Along with Pacheia, Strongyli and Gyali, it forms a group of skerries to the north and northeast of Niryros. The geological and historical course of Pergousa was defined by developments on Nisyros, which is located in the area south of Kos, and Tilos, where the easternmost part of the active volcanic bow of the South Aegean ends. This geographical zone, beginning from Corinth and the Methana peninsula, continues to Milos and Thera, and goes on up to Kos and Nisyros. It includes all of the active volcanoes of the Aegean.
Just like Nisyros and its surrounding skerries, Pergousa was formed after successive volcanic eruptions 160,000 to 10,000 years ago caused when the magma –molten rock rich in gas– found its way out to the surface, after the lithospheric plate of Africa sank beneath the Aegean area.

Even though the ground of Pergousa is waterless and arid due to its volcanic origin, human niches have been found aiming to create a friendly environment for agricultural-farming activities within a hostile one. Walls, partings and barriers made of dry stone retain the soil and rain water, resulting to higher moisture content and allowing the control of the flora and fauna diversity. A certain ecological microtopical intervention has been achieved on Pergousa, since a parting made of dry stone has created the appropriate conditions for the development and survival of two snail populations, proving that even the most hostile places –with proper human intervention– can turn into a useful and viable ambient for the development of species, and at the same time become a model of alternative development at areas far from industrial urban centers.

2. Archaeological sites and monuments

Regarding culture, Pergousa is one of Nisyros’s “satellites”. Its sole archeological remains come from two well-preserved 4th century towers, which could always be seen on its surface. The skerry’s name probably comes from these towers (pyrgos=tower, <Pyrgousa <Pergousa). During that period prospered the autonomous city-state of Nisyros. The aforementioned skerries were under its dominion. These towers must have been watch towers, while the skerry must have been a place where passing ships and possible pirate raids were controlled.