Antiparos and the surrounding islets − Epano Fyro (Kavouras), Kato Fyro (Diplo), Margines (Oros), Saliagos, Bourdaria (Reumatonisi), Agios Antonios, Marmara, Petalida, Tsimintiri, Despotiko and Strongylo − constitute a cluster of islands in the heart of the Cyclades, in a key geographical position and on the course of important sea routes. Their proximity to Paros has determined their historical development over time.
According to geological research, Antiparos with its islets was united with neighbouring Paros and constituted, at least until the Neolithic times, one single island, which archaeologists conventionally call ‘Greater Paros’.
Antiparos is the largest island of the cluster with an area of 34.87 sq.km. It has relatively low hills, with gentle profiles, especially in the east, and small, safe bays. It is separated from Paros by a narrow channel ranging in width from 500 m (in the northeast) to 2.5 km (in the southwest). The highest peak (Prophitis Ilias) is 299 m high.
From a geological point of view, it belongs to the Attic-Cycladic schist mass and is composed of crystalline schist and volcanic igneous rocks. The presence of mineral deposits (iron ore, calamine, manganese ore, mixed sulphides) is noteworthy: their exploitation in modern times is well documentedin recent years is certain, and is also documented, albeit in a limited way, in antiquity. An obsidian deposit exists in southern Antiparos, in the Soros area, but it does not seem to have been used for the manufacture of tools in prehistoric times.
The ancient history of Antiparos and its islets is traceable through the scant evidence from ancient sources and the remains of human activity that archaeological research in the area has highlighted.
