ABSTRACT
The village of Gonies at the foot of the mountain has fluctuated in terms of importance, population and wealth. It has faced periods of extreme poverty and ones of relative wealth. Today the population is greatly reduced, many local amenities have closed, and most of the younger residents have migrated to be closer to employment opportunities and schools. Through its changing fortunes, the mountain peak seems always to have been important for the village, influencing the local economy, politics, religious practices and more. Understanding these dynamics and understanding the relations between this and the neighboring villages not only enriches our understanding of the archaeological site on the peak of Philioremos but also helps us to understand the current priorities of the local community and how our project can become relevant to them.
