In an official statement, the Ephorate of Palaeoanthropology and Speleology bids farewell to Yannis Tzedakis, who passed away last week at the age of 87. The full text reads:

“The Ephorate of Palaeoanthropology and Speleology bids farewell with deep sorrow to an enlightened archaeologist and a rare human being who left an indelible mark on our lives and our work: Yannis Tzedakis.

He served as our Director from 1991 to 1993, but to us, he was much more. He was not just a supervisor; he was a teacher. A companion and guide, a man with an open mind and a vision, with genuine interest in the field of speleology – at a time when that was far from a given. He listened, supported, and trusted his colleagues, encouraged initiative, and made us feel that our work had meaning and potential.

He promoted and elevated our Ephorate through actions, not just words. He opened new paths in the approach to speleological research and in the protection of the country’s underground cultural heritage. He strengthened our scientific presence, encouraged openness, supported his colleagues’ efforts, always with knowledge, determination, and sincere interest.

We will remember him for his cultivation, his humor, his faith in the public archaeological service, his deep love for our cultural heritage, and his tireless fight for the protection of antiquities.

Yannis Tzedakis may no longer be with us, but he will always be present in the stories we tell, in the words we say — ‘as Tzedakis would have done it’ — in the inspiration he left behind.

Farewell, Yannis. And thank you for everything.”