---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paleontological findings of Charkadio Cave (dwarf elephants)
Charkadio cave is the most important place around the world in terms of abundance of palaeontological material of dwarf elephants that lived in Europe.
The excavations, by the Department of Historical Geology and Palaeontology of University of Athens, in the seventies and continue until
today (Symeonides 1972, Bachmayer et al. 1976, 1984, Theodorou 1983, 1984, 1988, Theodorou et al. 1997) and have brought to
light a very rich fauna of endemic fossil dwarf elephants.
In particular, the professor of Geology and Palaeontology N. Symeonidis, from the University of Athens , visited Tilos ,in order to study the human bones
and skulls that existed in Saint Antonios' gulf. These relics came from humans who were buried in the coastal sand during the Historical years. During his
visit in the caves of the island, he discovered more than 15.000 fossil bones of more than 40 dwarf elephants, which were of 120-150 cm height and belong
to the species Palaeoloxodon Antiquus Falconeri BUSK.
Apart from dwarf elephant fossils, the fossils and bones of other mammals, such as deer, turtles and micro-mammals, as well as splinters from tusks that were
possibly used as tools, were found in Charkadio cave. Recent excavations conducted in July 2000 and July 2001, revealed for the first time the remains of
dwarf elephants' skeletons and specifically former and ulterior legs and vertebras coming from young and adult animals. A museum exists in Megal Chorio.
More Information
Johanniter Castros
From an architectural point of view, Tilos island is fascinating with its seven medieval castles, its Byzantine Monastery, its small churches and Mikro Horio that
is a declared cultural monument. Megalo Horio constitutes an interesting architectural monument and is built inside the castle and around the mountain slopes.
The ruins of its ancient city and the numerous small churches of 15th century inside and outside the village, having important murals, reveal important aspects
of the island culture. The village just below the castle hill has been in existence since antiquity, in order to protect the inhabitant from the numerous pirate raids
and the Turks. This was also highlighted as a reason to build the villages from the sea only to non-accessible parts of the islands. It would also, no one came
to the idea of whitewashed houses with striking white!
More Information
Agios Panteleimonas
The monastery of Saint Panteleimon constitutes an important cultural element of the island's heritage. It was built in 1470 and renovated in 1703 and 1824.
It has maintained its frescos through the centuries and constitutes an important source of inspiration, open to the world. For several decades,
there are no more monks in the monastery.
More Information
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Highlights - The Task
STAGE1 N 36° 26.444' E 027° 21.917'
Station 1 is the theatre and the elephant cave . When was the cave discovered? You'll find the hint in the area of the theatre.
Write down the year.
(Solution a)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STAGE2 N 36° 27.294' E 027° 20.779'
Parking in Megalo Chorio
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STAGE3 N 36° 27.415' E 027° 20.591'
Station 3 is the Castro of Megalo Chorio. The way up starts at the car park of Megalo Chorio. The distance is about 1 km, but it follows a steep upward path.
In the upper area the path is very bad und you should wear sturdy shoes. Bathing shoes aren't suitable here.
Search for a stone on the castro with inscriptions. You have got the same signs on your handy. Write down the numbers in the same order.
Attention! The foto "picture1“ is necessary for the solution.
(Solution XXX = b)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STAGE4 N 36° 26.880 E 027° 18.266
Station 4 is the car park at the Monastery Panteleimonas. Look for a greek word at the entry of the monastery. It starts with a triangle.
Take the last 3 letters of the 5 ones. You have got the same signs on your handy. Write down the numbers in the same order.
(Solution c)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STAGE5 Finale N 36° 26.AAA' E 027° 18.BBB'
AAA = a – (b + c) + 571
BBB = a – (b – c) - 1446
The finale is not in the monastery, but you can visit. The STAGE 1, 2 und 4 are reachable best by bike or moped or car, everything else by foot.
Time for the cache around 6 - 8 hours
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------