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Posted onByApril 19, 2026 webmaster Posted in No Comments

Who?

We are a collaboration of different disciplines who realize the importance and significance of the ancient findings at Kommos, Crete, Greece. Kommos Conservancy was initially established as a US 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, however, after the retirement of the original excavators Professors Joseph and Maria Shaw, the reins for conservation and interpretive development of the site have been passed onto one the original members of the excavation team, Professor (emeritus) James C. Wright. Dr. Wright has become the Director, Kommos Excavations on the South Coast of Crete of the University of Toronto.

Watch the report on the Conservation Project!
Watch the lecture at the National Arts Club on Kommos during the Bronze Age!
Watch the lecture on Iron Age and Archaic Kommos (in Greek) April 30, 2025!

What?

The Kommos Conservancy is a non-profit organization committed to the insuring the future survival of the fragile dig site of Kommos in Crete, Greece. Our efforts include the organization and interpretation of the artifacts found there as well as publication and out-reach to the Greek people,and the world through this website. Besides sharing and classifying, we are also committed to maintaining the physical state of the archaeological site itself. The Kommos site is vulnerable to the effects of wind, weather, and sea water. Our duty is to help preserve it and make it available to the world for generations to come. A plan has been established to provide the necessary steps to ensure the archaeological site's survival.

Kommos Conservancy Mission Statement

19 June 2007

The Kommos Conservancy is a Colorado non-profit organization founded in 2007 to promote and advance the stewardship for conservation and educational development of the Kommos Archaeological site in south central Crete, Greece

Δήλωση αποστολής της Kommos Conservancy

19 Ιουνίου 2007.

Η Kommos Conservancy είναι μια μη κερδοσκοπική οργάνωση που ιδρύθηκε το 2007 για να προάγει και να προωθεί την διατήρηση και την εκπαιδευτική ανάπτυξη του αρχαιολογικού χώρου του Κομμού στη νότια Κρήτη στην Ελλάδα

When?

The Kommos Conservancy emerged in 1996 after more than 30 years of archaeological excavation and analysis, under the direction of professors Joseph and Maria Shaw of the University of Toronto. The depth and range of multi-disciplined scholarly involvement, has produced an impressive series of volumes disseminating the artifacts and conclusions, unearthed during the excavations. The permit was sponsored by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens and subject to the regulations of the Greek Ministry of Culture and the 23rd Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities.

Why?

Editor of CRM: Journal of Heritage Stewardship-Barbara J. Little- when asked why archaeology matters said "Our history is an anchor, a vantage point and a library. Archaeology is the tool for expanding that history." We agree and take on as a responsibility - our site conservation and educational public outreach mission and we hope you will agree, to participate and join us to conserve and educate about this epic and fragile archaeological site on the island of Crete, in Greece. The history and artifact evidence is a physical glimpse to the past where initially an ancient civilization, known as the Minoan Civilization, once thrived and dominated the merchant maritime of much of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. At Kommos the Minoan port city was followed by Greek - Hellenistic culture, significantly developing what most of the Western World has been built upon. From our Political System and Judicial Systems to our Agricultural Systems and even our Military. Our Languages, Sociological, Mathematical, Scientific and Astrological disciplines are derived and have been constructed from ancient Greek practices.

What are others saying about us?

Joseph W. Shaw, Minoan Architecture: Materials and Techniques. Studi di archeologia cretese. Reviewed by Quentin Letesson

2006 Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Archaeological Achievement

The Monumental Minoan Buildings at Kommos

Joseph W. Shaw, Maria C. Shaw
Reviewed by Jennifer Moody
I: The Region and the Houses of the Minoan Town

Joseph W. Shaw, Aleydis van De Moortel, Peter M. Day & Vassilis Kilikoglou.
A Late Minoan Iron Age ceramic kiln in south-central Crete: function and pottery production

(Hesperia Supplement 30). xi+172 pages, 66 figures, 16 tables. 2001. n.p.: American School of Classical Studies at Athens; 0-87661-530-2 paperback.

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