© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies and
the British School at Athens. This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence
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ARCHAEOLOGY IN GREECE 2021–2022
3 Newsround
Daphne D. Martin | University of Cambridge | ddm24@cam.ac.uk
‘Newsround’ offers a platform for new discoveries that do not appear within the specialist contributions of this year’s
Archaeological Reports, but which nevertheless warrant emphasis, either as a result of their particular characteristics or for the
contribution they make to broader archaeological narratives. This section is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather an overview
of archaeological research in Greece. It comprises largely preliminary reports (results of excavations that took place up to and
including August 2022, where possible) that complement the digital content made available through Archaeology in Greece
Online (https://chronique.efa.gr). Due to the diachronic nature of a number of the sites, and for ease of reference, the material
is organized geographically in the first instance and then chronologically (earliest to latest) within each section as far as possible.
Introduction
2021–2022 has seen the dynamic return of many archaeological projects and the beginning of new ones
(Map 3.1), thanks to the lifting of the most stringent pandemic travel restrictions, which limited possibilities in the past two years. Collaborative projects taking advantage of new technologies have made important new discoveries, especially in the sphere of underwater archaeology. Overall, studies ranging from
surface survey, geoarchaeology, and traditional excavation have brought to light a wealth of new data that
brings significant insights to the archaeology of Greece, from prehistoric to modern times. The key archaeological developments of 2021–2022 are summarized below.
Epirus and Central Macedonia
The Ephorate of Antiquities of Ioannina reports on the 2021 discovery of a Bronze Age settlement
(2000–1100 BC), close to the beltway around Ioannina city (ID15057). Among the finds were stone tools
as well as handmade, unpainted, and painted fine ware and coarse ware, some of which are decorated. The
finds provide valuable information regarding habitation patterns in the liminal areas of the lake basin
around Ioannina during the Bronze Age. These finds contribute to improving the otherwise fragmented
picture of settlement organization in the interior of Epirus during the late prehistoric period.
Janusz Czebreszuk (Polish Archaeological Institute at Athens), in cooperation with the Ephorate of
Antiquities of Thessaloniki, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the Adam Mickiewicz
University of Poznań, reports on the 2021 season of the Anthemous Valley Archaeological Project
(ID18174). The project has as its focus the reconstruction of human–environment relations in an alluvial
part of the lower basin of the Anthemous Valley (Fig. 3.1). The time period of interest is the Early
Holocene natural evolution of the landscape and the identification of human interventions during the
Neolithic, Bronze, and Early Iron Ages. The methodologies used are geoarchaeological, including
vibra-coring, electrical resistivity tomography, and laboratory analysis of sediments for palaeogeographical reconstructions. This project is a continuation of the earlier work that has taken place in the
Anthemous Valley since 2010.
In 2021 geophysical survey both in Agia Paraskevi and in Vassilika-Metamorfosi showed aggradation
deposits that covered the oldest pre-Holocene terrace. The eastern part of the valley, where the Early
Bronze Age toumba is located, was also investigated, with the aim of understanding a possible continuity
of the settlement from the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age. A percussive core that was scheduled to be
taken at Vassilika-Kyparissi stopped 2m from the surface due to a breakdown of the drilling equipment.
The core was split open to assess the damage. Its structure was undisturbed and showed clear anthropogenic sediments with numerous layers of charcoal and several pottery fragments, one of which was dated
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Archaeological Reports 68 (2021–2022) 43–92
Archaeology in Greece 2021–2022
Map 3.1. Map showing sites mentioned in the Newsround: 1) Veroia; 2) Anthemous Valley; 3) Ioannina; 4) Skiathas-Kato Polydendri;
5) Preveza; 6) Kastro at Kallithea; 7) Alonissos, Agios Petros; 8) Elateia; 9) Agia Marina; 10) Eleon; 11) Amarynthos; 12) Trapeza;
13) Kotroni; 14) Styra; 15) Gourimadi; 16) Tenea; 17) Ambelakia; 18) Kerameikos; 19) Aegina, Mount Oros; 20) Praso; 21) Koroni;
22) Tolon; 23) Epidauros; 24) Asine; 25) Kalaureia; 26) Fournoi; 27) Kalamata; 28) Kythera, Mentor shipwreck; 29) Antikythera
shipwreck; 30) Karydaki; 31) Phaistos; 32) Gortyn; 33) Khavania; 34) Itanos. For the Small Cycladic Islands Project, not shown
in this map, see Fig. 3.54. © BSA.
to the Middle Neolithic period. Continued research in the valley will contribute further to the understanding of the Neolithic and Bronze Age landscape of the Anthemous River Valley.
The Ephorate of Antiquities of Imathia reports on the discovery of a marble statue, almost one metre in
height, in the centre of ancient (now modern) Veroia (ID17017), very close to the archaeological site of
Agios Patapios, in one of the very few unbuilt city blocks (Fig. 3.2). The statue dates to the Imperial
period, when the city – as the seat of the Koinon of the Macedonians and neokore (sexton) of imperial
worship – was the first polis of Macedonia. With a chlamys (cloak) thrown over its left shoulder, which
wraps around the left hand, the naked youth stands firmly in contraposto, recalling Classical prototypes,
particularly statues of Hermes and Apollo. For some reason, despite the fact that the artist had advanced in
his depiction of the frontal surfaces, coming almost to a final stage, he then decided to abandon the process
halfway. This phenomenon makes the statue particularly valuable for the study of processes of craftsmanship, as well as of the creation of copies of well-known prototypes.
Thessaly and West Greece
Architectural remains of a monumental building were brought to light in 2021 during excavation work led by
archaeologist Nektaria Alexiou (Ephorate of Antiquities of Larissa) at the site known as Skiathas in the coastal
area of Kato Polydendri next to the Agiokampos harbour, and in an area where a marble threshold and parts of
walls could be seen (https://digitalculture.gov.gr/2021/11/evrimata-tis-anaskafikis-erevnas-sti-thesi-skiathassto-kato-polidendri-larisas/). From the excavation data so far, it appears that this is a sanctuary of
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3.1. General view of the Anthemous Valley. © Polish Archaeological Institute at Athens (photo: L. Pospieszny).
Hellenistic times (third-second century BC), made of poros and local stone (Fig. 3.3). Part of an architrave and
five Doric capitals have been identified among the building remains. Inside the structure, a statue pedestal, part
of a column, a marble table leg, and two marble heads of children (one male and one female) came to light
(Fig. 3.4). The fortified settlement, with which this structure is associated, occupies an area of some 22ha. Only
the defence wall had previously been investigated, by Athanasios Tziafalias.
Other finds from the 2021 excavation include clay textile weights, clay lamps, and fragments of
commercial amphorae. Significantly, stamped tiles with the names of the owners of ceramic workshops
have been identified, as well as a tile with the inscription MEΛIBOIAΣ, which probably identifies the
settlement at the Skiathas site with Melivoia, an important ancient city of Magnesia. On a lower terraced
level, a square tower was investigated, which belongs mainly to the Byzantine period (Fig. 3.5). Further
research is expected to provide answers to important archaeological questions with respect to this coastal
area and its rich archaeological history.
The Ephorate of Antiquities of Preveza reports that the head of a statue (Fig. 3.6) dating to the Roman
period was pulled up from the sea off the coast near Preveza (ID15058; https://www.tovima.gr/2021/10/
12/culture/preveza-anasyrthike-apo-ti-thalassa-kefali-agalmatos-romaikon-xronon/). It probably dates to
the period of Antoninus or Severus (second/third century AD). The head is made of Pentelic marble
and is almost intact, apart from parts of the nose, right ear, and chin. The object has been transferred
to the Archaeological Museum of Nikopolis to undergo the necessary conservation.
Central Greece
The Central Achaia Phthiotis Survey (CAPS; https://caps.artsrn.ualberta.ca/) is a research project that
developed out of the Kastro Kallithea Archaeological Project, which finished its fieldwork in 2013.
This innovative landscape project, which had a pilot fieldwork season in 2019 (ID12959) and continued
in 2021 (ID18176), is co-directed by Sophia Karapanou (Ephorate of Antiquities of Larissa) and Margriet
Haagsma (University of Alberta). It is supported by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports and the
CIG. CAPS seeks ‘to contribute to the re-evaluation and study of so-called “marginal landscapes” in the
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3.2. Statue uncovered in the rescue excavation at Veroia.
© Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of
Antiquities of Imathia.
Mediterranean and focuses on an endangered and topographically challenging region, Achaia Phthiotis, on
the margins of the Thessalian plains in Central Greece’ (Haagsma et al. 2021). The focus of the project is
the study of some 3,000ha of cultivated and uncultivated land surrounding the Kastro at Kallithea, dating
to the fourth–second century BC (Fig. 3.7).
Results of the 2021 season cover a broad chronological timespan of human activity, from the Neolithic
to pre-Modern periods; pottery was collected, amounting to 7,632 pieces and weighing a total of 182kg.
Other artefacts gathered include lithics and bone remains likely to be human. Perhaps most notably, the
2021 season yielded monochrome ceramics dating to the later phase of the Early Neolithic/early phase of
the Middle Neolithic (late fifth millennium BC) and a few fragments of figurines, including part of a seated
female (Fig. 3.8) and a terracotta animal head, originally part of a vessel (Fig. 3.9). The majority of
ceramics and rooftiles from the survey were dated to the historic and late historic periods (especially
Hellenistic/Roman, Late Roman, and Medieval).
Katja Sporn (DAI) and Petros Kounouklas (Ephorate of Antiquities of Phthiotis and Evrytania) report
on the 2021 season of the joint Greek–German programme Kephissos Valley Project (ID18181). The
programme, which started in 2018, studies the development of settlements and their respective areas
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3.3. Hellenistic temple structure at Skiathas, viewed from above. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of
Antiquities of Larissa.
3.4. Marble statue head of a boy found at Skiathas. ©
Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of
Antiquities of Larissa.
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3.5. Square tower of the Byzantine period. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of Antiquities of Larissa.
3.6. Roman period head retrieved from the sea near Preveza.
© Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of
Antiquities of Preveza.
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3.7. The CAPS 2021 team, seen here at a distance, surveying the Neolithic site. © Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of
Antiquities of Larissa/CIG (photo: M. Haagsma).
of activity during antiquity in the context of the area’s natural landscape. Central to these investigations is
the question of the effects that climatic change has had on the use of land and the relocation of the settlements on the two sides of the river. The research programme, which focuses on a 145km2 section in the
middle of the river valley of the Phocian Kephissos, continued successfully in 2020 and 2021 – albeit in
limited scope due to the pandemic. The work in Elateia, the largest city of the Phocaeans, prioritized the
mapping of preserved architectural remains – on the one hand of structures preserved on the surface, with
the help of architectural study, and on the other hand of structures located below the surface of the earth,
with the help of geophysical survey.
Jutting out from the fortified acropolis of Elateia, with its late antique settlement, two walls with a
southeast and southwest direction extend towards the valley (Fig. 3.10). Square towers define the course
of the walls. The excavations of the Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich in and around the area of
Elateia have focused on evidence related to the presence of a Roman army in the region. From four test
sections on the acropolis of Elateia, it has come to light that the site was completely restructured and rebuilt
in the second half of the fourth century AD. Significantly, some of the deepest levels of stratigraphy were
dated to the late Middle Bronze Age, documenting, for the first time, the prehistoric habitation of the hill.
South of and above the village of Agia Marina, the Kephissos Valley Project reports on the extensive
works carried out at the ancient city located on the slope of Mount Parnassos (Fig. 3.11). The settlement
stands out for the fact that many ancient building remains are preserved above the ground, including walls,
streets, conduits, etc. In 2021 large areas were cleaned and its agora was discerned for the first time, also
clearly visible via orthophotography and LiDAR. Three connected constructions, which form a Π-shape
and surround the aforementioned agora (55m × 45m), have been identified. As in neighbouring Elateia, it
was possible to ascertain, through cuts in the bedrock, the foundation of the wall. However,
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3.8. Terracotta fragments of a Middle Neolithic figurine. © Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of Antiquities of Larissa/
CIG (photo: M. Haagsma).
3.9. Terracotta head of an animal, originally part of a vessel. © Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of Antiquities of
Larissa/CIG (photo: M. Haagsma).
in this case, there were no towers at regular intervals, and the rocks making up the wall are polygonal
stones. Future test sections are expected to contribute to the dating of the city of Agia Marina, often identified with the ancient cities of Patronis or Ledon.
Alexandra Charami (Ephorate of Antiquities of Boeotia), Brendan Burke (University of Victoria), and
Bryan Burns (Wellesley College) report on the five-week season in 2021 at Eleon, part of the Eastern
Boeotia Archaeological Project (ID18175), comprising geophysical survey and artefact study. The project
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3.10. Mapping and results of research at the ancient polis of Elateia until 2021. © DAI.
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3.11. Acropolis and polis of Agia Marina. © DAI.
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is a synergasia between the CIG and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Boeotia. Due to the brevity of the season,
the team limited themselves to conducting geophysical survey of the unexcavated areas of the acropolis with
magnetometry and resistivity/resistance survey. The main aim was ‘to survey the area between the fenced
excavation block on the eastern side of the acropolis and the medieval tower on the western edge of the
acropolis : : : and then to examine the area south of the excavation trenches’ (Burke, Burns and Charami
2021). The gradiometer survey covered 1.97ha, encompassing most of the acropolis. Various anomalies
were brought out in the survey results, among which the most apparent was located 25m west of the polygonal wall. During the study season, the macroscopic examination of Late Bronze Age pottery fabrics took
place, confirming the presence of Euboean, Attic, and Theban groups. There was also a focus on osteology,
which revealed that the remains from Tomb 10 represent three individuals: Individual 1 is a subadult that was
laid in the middle to western side of the tomb; Individuals 2 and 3 represent two young adults whose remains
had been moved to the eastern wall of the tomb and were mixed.
Euboea
Žarko Tankosić (NIA), Paschalis Zafeiriadis (NIA), and Fanis Mavridis (EPS) report on the fourth season
of the Gourimadi Excavation Project (ID17977, ID17976, ID8512) in the region of Karystos in southern
Euboea (Fig. 3.12). The project at Gourimadi is organized by the NIA. The 2021 excavations involved
the excavation of two trenches: Trench 1 and Trench 5, neither of which reached the bedrock (Fig. 3.13).
Excavation of Trench 1 articulated further the remains of the stone-built walls excavated in previous
seasons (Fig. 3.14), while at the same time revealing additional walls lying at lower elevation.
Excavation in Trench 5 brought to light new evidence of construction in the west of the habitation, which
can be dated to the end of the Final Neolithic. Notably, three aligned postholes were discovered
(Fig. 3.15). The finds include obsidian tools of various types (scrapers, blades, and arrowheads), implying
commercial relations with the Aegean islands. Ceramic sherds from the Late Final Neolithic were also
found, some of which were painted. Although this setting has yet to be fully excavated, due to time
constraints, it is noted that the postholes evidence the presence of building techniques different from those
of stone-built masonry, which are commonly found elsewhere in Gourimadi. This is therefore the first
known occurrence of such building techniques in prehistorical Karystia.
Sylvian Fachard (ESAG) and Angeliki Simossi (Ephorate of Antiquities of Euboea) report on the beginning of a new four-year programme (2021–2024) at the Artemision of Amarynthos (ID18254) (https://
www.esag.swiss/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ESAG-Public-Report-2021-gr-eng.pdf; Fig. 3.16). Research in
2021 focused on the earliest phases of the site’s occupation, with the study of the prehistoric settlement on
Palaeoekklisies hill, as well as the Geometric and Archaic sanctuary remains. The aim of the programme is
to gain a better understanding of the beginnings and development of Amarynthos. Additional intensive
archaeological survey aims to help reconstruct the surrounding landscape of the Artemision.
The 2021 excavations focused on two areas. Close to the top of the hill of Palaeoekklisies, a Medieval
cemetery was uncovered, as well as structures and levels of use from the Mycenaean period. Lower down,
some finds of special significance came to light, including a well connected to a large stone wall, parallel
to the hillside, probably dating to the Early Bronze Age (Fig. 3.17). In front of the wall, a small deposit of
miniature vessels and clay figurines from the Classical and Hellenistic period was uncovered. These
discoveries highlight the importance of the prehistoric settlement, which extended to the base of the hill
of Palaeoekklisies, and perhaps beyond.
Excavations in 2021 also focused on the sanctuary itself, and in particular on the excavation of dedications from its interior. More than 600 objects of various types have been found in this rich deposit to
date, which bear witness not only to the identities of those participating in ritual but also to the motivations
behind the offering of dedications. The excavations led to the discovery also of an older sanctuary,
oriented towards a horseshoe shaped altar (Fig. 3.18). Traces of fire on the altar and surrounding ash layers
containing carbonized animal bones bring to light the sacrifices that took place here during the Archaic
period.
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3.12. Location of Gourimadi. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports/NIA.
3.13. Trench 1 and Trench 5 at Gourimadi, which were
explored during the 2021 season. © Hellenic Ministry of
Culture and Sports/NIA.
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3.14. General view of Gourimadi. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports/NIA.
3.15. Gourimadi, Trench 5: the three postholes. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports/NIA.
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3.16. Site plan of Amarynthos. © ESAG/Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of Antiquities of Euboea.
3.17. Early Bronze Age wells and walls in a trench at the foot of Palaeoekklisies hill. © ESAG/Hellenic Ministry of Culture and
Sports: Ephorate of Antiquities of Euboea.
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3.18. The Archaic altar and mud-brick floor at Amarynthos. © ESAG/Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of
Antiquities of Euboea.
Finally, the intensive survey at Amarynthos was complemented also by archaeological terrain recognition based on LiDAR technology. Several archaeological sites from the end of the Neolithic and the
beginning of the Bronze Age, as well as four previously unknown sites from the Archaic period, were
discovered between Eretria and Amarynthos (ID18257). At least three demes belonging to Eretria
could also be located. These sites were all established between the Hellenistic and Byzantine period.
The position of the most important settlements, as well as the funerary monuments, make it possible
to trace the Sacred Way from Eretria to the Artemision of Amarynthos, as well as to identify communication links.
Karl Reber (University of Lausanne), Angeliki Simossi (Ephorate of Antiquities of Euboea), and Maria
Chidiroglou (National Archaeological Museum) report on the Greek–Swiss project in the region of Styra
on Euboea (ID18259) (https://www.esag.swiss/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ESAG-Public-Report-2021gr-eng.pdf). The project focuses on a particular type of dry-stone rural building located in the mountain
range of southern Euboea, the so-called drakospita or ‘dragon houses’ (Fig. 3.19). In 2021, the complex at
Palli-Lakka was surveyed and the drakospito of Ilkizes was excavated. The few fragments found in the
construction fill date it to the fourth century BC at the earliest. Numerous bones, the remains of a hearth,
and pottery sherds dating to the Classical and Late Hellenistic period were found on the floor level.
However, the study of this material does not yet provide enough evidence for the building’s identification.
Interestingly, the architecture and location of the drakospito find close parallels with modern sheepfolds
found in the region. In addition to the excavation at Ilkizes, fieldwork focused on documenting three other
drakospita at Kroi-Phtocht, Loumithel-Mariza, and Palli-Lakka.
Attica Region (incl. Kythera and Antikythera)
Eleni Andrikou (Ephorate of Antiquities of East Attica), Anastasia Dakouri-Hild (University of Virginia),
and Stephen Davis (University College Dublin) report on the second season of fieldwork for the Kotroni
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3.19. The Palli Lakka drakospito building complex in Euboea. © ESAG/Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of
Antiquities of Euboea.
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3.20. The Kotroni hill near Kapandriti and Lake Marathon. © IIHSA/Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of
Antiquities of East Attica.
Archaeological Survey Project (ID18035; https://afidna.org/). During 2021, intensive pedestrian survey
around Kotroni led to the identification of several new archaeological sites in the vicinity of the citadel
(Figs 3.20–3.21). Among these is included a potentially significant prehistoric site outside the citadel itself
and several Iron Age sites. According to the report, ‘7,111 sherds were recovered, of which 1,467 (20.6%)
are form-diagnostic and 385 (5.4%) are useful for initial spot dating (i.e. highly diagnostic)’. The sherds
are ‘strongly concentrated in the prehistoric eras, especially the Middle Helladic period (238, 61.8%
of highly diagnostic finds), but also include decorated early Late Helladic, and decorated and
plain Late Helladic pieces’ (Andrikou, Dakouri-Hild and Davis 2021). Pottery from the Classical period
is well-attested, followed by Roman/Roman Byzantine, Geometric, Ottoman/Early Modern, and
Byzantine/Byzantine-Frankish (Fig. 3.22). Based on the preliminary analysis of finds, it is possible to
ascertain the presence of Bronze Age occupation on several parts of the 2021 survey, and especially
in the southern part of Sector W and near the top of Gaitaná (as adjudged by numerous obsidian pieces).
Geometric and Archaic pottery are largely found in a small area of Sector W and Gaitaná. Classical
evidence is more broadly present, particularly in the east, south, and southwest parts of the survey.
The Hellenistic-Roman, Roman, and Roman Byzantine finds display a similar pattern, while occupation
dating to the Byzantine, Frankish, and Ottoman appears most frequently in the east and south parts of the
2021 survey area.
In 2021, the ESAG and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Piraeus and Islands began a new research project
on Mount Oros on Aegina (https://www.esag.swiss/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ESAG-Public-Report2021-gr-eng.pdf) (Fig. 3.23). The first investigations of the area, carried out during the first half of the 20th
century, were never followed by a detailed publication. The new research project is led by Stella
Chrysoulaki (Ephorate of Antiquities of Piraeus and Islands), Tobias Krapf (ESAG), Leonidas
Vokotopoulos (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), Sofia Michalopoulou (Ephorate of Antiquities of
Piraeus and Islands), and Jérôme André (University of Lausanne).
The Mount Oros project aims to verify the diachronic use of the sanctuary, as well as its early period of
cultic use, and to determine more precisely the dating of the settlement in this unique position, which likely
corresponds with the period after the destruction of the Mycenaean palaces. In 2021, excavation was
undertaken in the areas on both sides of the church. While on the southern side, it seems to be the case
that the majority of the soil above the Mycenaean layers is fill from excavations at the beginning of the
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3.21. Tentative Bronze Age-Geometric habitation
spread around Kotroni (shown here in the form of
highlighted tracts). © IIHSA/Hellenic Ministry of
Culture and Sports: Ephorate of Antiquities of East
Attica.
20th century, on the north side, the soil is more or less undisturbed. It is on the north side that a noteworthy
amount of Mycenaean pottery was uncovered, as well as the head of a Phi or Psi-figurine, and many thousands of tiny bone fragments bearing traces of burning. The last of these likely came from activity in
relation to the altar, which is found at a higher level. The numerous ceramic offerings point to the
frequency of visits to the summit already from the Middle Bronze Age, during the first half of the second
millennium BC, until the Roman, Byzantine, and even modern period. Another aim of this research project is
gaining a better understanding of the location of the sanctuary in the context of its environment. To this end,
in 2021 a surface survey of the area took place, covering the southern, uninhabited area of the island (11km2),
about 1/8 of the full terrain of Aegina. During the prehistoric, historic, and Early Modern periods, the area
seems to have been utilized more intensely than in the modern period, as is demonstrated, among other
things, by a second Late Mycenaean fortification, a ‘dragon house’, stone terracing, and water tanks.
Sarah Murray (University of Toronto/CIG) and Catherine Pratt (University of Western Ontario/CIG)
report on the second season of the diachronic Bays of East Attica Regional Survey project (ID18083). The
goals for this season were to finish the survey of the outer slopes of the Koroni peninsula, which started in
2019, and to survey the Praso islet. Intensive survey units were focused on the slopes of Koroni, as well as
the undeveloped hilltop to the immediate south which connects the Koroni peninsula with the mainland
(Fig. 3.24), where Curtius and Kaupert’s Karten von Attika (1895) show the foundations of ancient structures. Survey on the slopes of Koroni facilitated the discovery of many substantial features that will be
mapped and studied in detail in 2022, including a round tower on the outer of the peninsula that appears
related to the fortification architecture on the acropolis. In contrast, artefacts encountered and collected in
the units surveyed in 2021 were minimal, aside from the identification of additional LH IIIC pottery on the
slopes of the acropolis and the location of a possible dump from the 1960 excavations.
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3.22. A selection of ceramic finds dating from the Bronze Age to the Ottoman era. © IIHSA/Hellenic Ministry of Culture and
Sports: Ephorate of Antiquities of East Attica.
The focus of the 2021 season was surveying the islet of Praso. Praso is a low-lying islet directly to the
southeast of the Pounta peninsula, which splits the bay into northern and southern sections. The survey on
Praso documented a dense scatter of pottery, tile, and other artefacts (Fig. 3.25), making evident the
diachronic nature of habitation in the Porto Rafti area; finds ranged from the Final Neolithic to the
Byzantine periods. According to Murray and Pratt (2021), the diachronic diversity of archaeological finds
from Praso stands out within the archaeology of Porto Rafti, since most known sites around the bay show
intensive use only in one or two periods. The survey on Praso represents a significant contribution for
understanding the islet’s true archaeological significance.
A diverse array of artefacts is present throughout nearly the entire surface of the islet. Noteworthy concentrations of ceramic and tile were identified on the flat apron extending over the western third of Praso and
along the central part of the south-facing slope. A large quantity of prehistoric pottery was observed eroding
out from below the later material near the islet’s southern shore, providing evidence for the presence of
Classical/Hellenistic and prehistoric deposits lower down in the islet’s stratigraphy. Across the survey area,
finds from the LH IIIC, Hellenistic, and Late Roman period were generally most ubiquitous. In addition to
pottery, tile, lithics, and a total of 320 objects categorized as ‘other’, ranging from ‘fragments and lumps of
metal (iron, bronze, and lead), pieces of lamps (Fig. 3.26), fragmentary terracotta anthropomorphic and
zoomorphic Bronze Age figurines (Fig. 3.27), pyramidal loom weights and spindle whorls, glass vessel
fragments, and large quantities of material associated with both ceramic (pottery and tile) and metallurgical
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3.23. Analipsis chapel and the surrounding wall on the Mount Oros summit. © ESAG/Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports:
Ephorate of Antiquities of Piraeus and Islands.
production’ were found (Murray and Pratt 2021). These moveable finds from Praso highlight the human
occupation of the islet across different periods. Likewise, the range of finds suggests multiple and changing
uses for the islet over time, spanning from ritual to industrial activities.
Jutta Stroszeck (DAI) reports on work conducted in 2021 at Kerameikos (ID17197). An area west of
the Kerameikos Street was investigated, which had previously been excavated in the 1940s and recognized
as a workshop area. Pottery kilns were also found in the N part, and the area was dated to the fifth
century BC.
For a sixth year, and in the context of the new three-year project (2020–2022), underwater research on
the eastern shores of Salamis (ID18173) continued, as part of a collaboration between the Institute of
Marine Archaeological Research (I.EN.A.E.) and the EUA. Angeliki Simossi (Ephorate of Antiquities
of Euboea) and Yannos G. Lolos (Ioannina) report on discoveries made on the first programme of underwater research undertaken in 2021 in the Ambelakia-Kynosoura area. The underwater survey, in its first
phase, was focused on the northern portion of the head of the modern-day Gulf of Ambelakia, where there
had been systematic study of submerged remains belonging to the ancient polis of Salamis, which extends
on the southern side of the Pounta peninsula. A large section of the Classical city wall was found, oriented
north–south (Figs 3.28–3.29). The structure was investigated in 4m × 4m excavation units, over a total
area of 50m2. Towards the south, the wall was followed for 16m, and two construction phases were identified of the fourth century BC. The latter phase was 3m thick and contained large worked stones; to the
west of the wall, parts of the ancient construction had been incorporated into the Early Modern jetty. This
wall is so far the only systematically excavated part of the ancient city’s fortifications. Pottery of the
Hellenistic and Roman periods came from the most recent excavation, along with some Attic pottery
of the Late Classical period (Fig. 3.30). Amphora sherds were found, as well as some marble objects.
More generally, incorporating also the results of the previous five years of excavation, the orientation
of the wall has been established as following along the harbour of the Classical-Hellenistic polis of
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3.24. Map of survey units on Koroni, 2019–2020. © CIG.
Salamis. It makes up a crucial portion of the entire fortification system of the polis of Salamis, whose
perimeter can now be more or less entirely reconstructed, based also on the studies of 19th-century archaeologists W.M. Leake, H.G. Lolling, and A. Milchhöfer.
The second phase of underwater research focused on the inner portion of Ambelakia Bay, in the
anchorage area of a large part of the Greek fleet on the eve of the naval battle of 480 BC (Fig. 3.31).
Test excavation sections were carried out at three points of interest, among the many that have been identified by the intensive geophysical research of previous years by George Papatheodorou (University of
Patras). From the exploratory sections, which reached a depth of 1–2m in the silt of the sea floor, evidence
emerged that will contribute to the study of local sedimentation, the reconstruction of the paleogeography
of historical Ormos, and to the more precise delineation of its coastline during the Classical period.
A dense accumulation of stones mixed with fragments of vases and ceramics from various periods
(including Hellenistic amphorae) came from Section 3, on the northwest side of the present cove. This
is probably drifted mixed material, very similar to that from the nearby excavation of the wall and other
submerged remains, which appear to be related to activities on land during antiquity.
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3.25. Sherd densities from feature a003 (Praso). © CIG.
3.26. Lamps from Praso islet. © CIG.
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3.27. Two joining pieces of a Bronze Age zoomorphic
figurine. © CIG.
3.28. Ambelakia Bay. Aerial photograph of the research area, with a view of part of the submerged Classical city wall.
© Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: EUA/Institute of Marine Archaeological Research (photo: E. Kroustalis).
In 2021 the excavations at ancient Kalaureia, Poros (https://www.sia.gr/en/articles.php?tid=546&
page=1), were continued by the SIA in Area L, part of the site associated with the ancient settlement
outside of the sanctuary of Poseidon. In 2021, a larger segment of stone Feature 3, which seems to consist
of several walls enclosing a surface formed by a stone packing, was excavated. It was not possible,
however, to expose the full feature due to the presence of Roman walls positioned directly above it
(Fig. 3.32). The Roman walls provide useful information on the structural development of Area L in
the Roman period. A thick construction fill dating to the late first century BC or first century AD was
uncovered in several areas. This fill seems to have served as the foundation for a new level, with some
of the older walls reused, and with new stretches of wall built on top of the previous structures. Further
evidence for the stratigraphy and structuring of the chronological phases was brought forth by the
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3.29. Ambelakia Bay. Partial view of the E face of the submerged Classical city wall. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports:
EUA/Institute of Marine Archaeological Research (photo: C. Marabea).
3.30. Ambelakia Bay. Examples of black-painted Late Classical pottery. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: EUA/
Institute of Marine Archaeological Research (photo: C. Marabea).
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3.31. Ambelakia Bay. View of the research area. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: EUA/Institute of Marine
Archaeological Research (photo: Y. Lolos).
3.32. Kalaureia: feature 3 (formed by lower walls) with the newly exposed Roman walls situated above it. South orientation.
© SIA.
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3.33. Mentor shipwreck: general view of the area excavated in 2021. © V. Tsiaris / Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: EUA.
exposure of a pebble floor (first found in 2018) in the northern part of the trench. This is preliminarily
dated to the same period as the fill. Although much work remains to be done to establish a firmer chronology and understanding of the building phases in Area L, the 2021 excavations have improved our
understanding of the function and uses of the buildings over time.
Dimitris Kourkoumelis (EUA) reports on discoveries made in 2021 during the excavation of the
Mentor shipwreck at Kythera (ID18169), as part of an ongoing underwater archaeological investigation
(Fig. 3.33). Recent discoveries (Kourkoumelis and Tourtas 2018) contribute important information on
how the ship was built, while also offering a glimpse of the lives of the people on board. The first sector
excavated was the keel on the north side, with the aim of clarifying details relating to construction. Pieces
of military uniform, furniture, and a gold ring decorated with flowers and dots (identical to one found in
2019) were among some of the objects that are thought to have belonged to the crew. The second sector
investigated covered almost the entire length of the south end of the ship, with a focus on exploring the hull
and making observations and measurements on the structure of the ship. Of particular interest were two
large sections of rope and two Dutch coins, issued in 1777 and 1800 (Fig. 3.34). Part of a theodolite
(Fig. 3.35) was also uncovered, corresponding with fragments located in 2013 and 2015. It is possible
that this object belonged to William Martin Leake, who was travelling on this vessel. The vessel was
owned, however, by Lord Elgin, who is thought to have been using it to transport antiquities from the
Athenian Acropolis to the United Kingdom (Leontsinis 2010).
Angeliki Simossi (Ephorate of Antiquities of Euboea) and Lorenz Baumer (ESAG / University of
Geneva) report on the results of a survey carried out on the Antikythera shipwreck (ID15659), launching
a new five-year underwater research programme on the context (2021–2025). The research project is also
under the auspices of the EUA and the president of the Hellenic Republic. Work in 2021 focused on the
creation of a full 3D photogrammetric model of the shipwreck, which sank in the first century BC. One of
the key goals of the project is to identify the existence of any remnants of the Antikythera mechanism,
especially in the area where the ship has been covered over as the result of a landslide. Research is also
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3.34. Mentor shipwreck: Dutch gold coin (ducat), issued in 1800. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: EUA.
3.35. Mentor shipwreck: part of a theodolite, after cleaning. © P. Vezirtzis/Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: EUA.
focused on the possible connections between the vessels and people on board vessels A and B (Fig. 3.36).
Another key aim is the discovery and collection of parts of the cargo, and/or any human skeletal remains.
The most important find in 2021 was a marble statue trapped under a heavy boulder. Smaller wooden and
copper structural elements of the ship were retrieved, as well as small pieces of ceramic that will be useful
for dating the cargo.
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3.36. Identification and documentation of pottery from the Antikythera shipwreck. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports:
Ephorate of Antiquities of Euboea.
Especially rich in finds was the second season of the underwater archaeological excavation of the
Antikythera shipwreck in 2022 (ID18172; https://www.esag.swiss/return-to-antikythera-2022/)
(Fig. 3.37). Among the new finds are a marble statue base and a larger-than-life-size marble head of a
bearded man (Fig. 3.38) that preliminary observations suggest is associated with Herakles of the so-called
‘Farnese’ type. It is likely that it belongs to the headless statue (inv. no. 5742) in the National
Archaeological Museum, which was discovered by sponge divers in 1900. Two human teeth were also
found, which will undergo DNA analysis that will hopefully give further indication with regard to sex and
other genetic features of the person(s) to whom they belong. Many items belong to the ship’s equipment,
such as bronze and iron nails, as well as the leaden (tip?) of a wooden anchor, and many other corroded
masses of metal which will be examined with X-ray.
Peloponnese
Andreas Vordos (Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaea) and Elisabetta Borgna (University of Udine) report
on the 2021 excavations from Trapeza (ID15660; https://www.culture.gov.gr/el/Information/SitePages/
view.aspx?nID=3999), 8km southwest of Aigio, which brought to light important objects (Fig. 3.39). The
site is associated with Rypes, a city that flourished in early historical times, and founded the colony of
Crotone in Magna Graecia. Excavation focused on the site’s Mycenaean necropolis, located on the
southwest slope of the plateau, and on the ancient road that led to the acropolis in the historic periods.
Graves consist of chamber tombs carved into soft, sandy soil. The graves were used extensively
during the first Palatial period, and significant reuse dates to the 12th century BC, when the tombs were
reopened repeatedly, and until the end of the 11th century BC. Assemblages from the necropolis
included pottery, seal stones, and beads and jewellery made of various materials (glass, faience, gold,
carnelian, rock crystal). Significant among these are also gold amulets in the form of bulls (bucrania).
These finds indicate trade contacts with the eastern Aegean and with Cyprus. The rectangular chamber
of Grave 8 (Fig. 3.40) yielded three layers. In the first layer, dating to the 12th century BC, three burials
were found associated with stirrup jars. Bones from an earlier burial had been removed with great care and
placed in two parallel deposits against the back wall of the chamber; at the top, three painted clay alabastra
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3.37. Excavation in a section of the Antikythera shipwreck. © ESAG / Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of
Antiquities of Euboea.
and an amphora date the first burials to the 14th century BC. Among the bones and grave goods that
accompanied these burials, a clay horse figurine and an extremely well-preserved bronze sword were also
found. At the base of the piles of bones, two more bronze swords were found, entirely intact apart from
their wooden handles, which nevertheless are partially preserved. The swords were of different types
(Sandars D and E) and date back to the peak of the Mycenaean palaces. These finds, and spears of
the same period found in nearby graves at Trapeza, are distinctive from graves found elsewhere in
Achaea and suggest the dependency of the local community on powerful centres, as the weapons are probably the products of palace workshops. The location of the Mycenaean settlement of Trapeza remains
unclear. It is possible that, during the early use of the necropolis, the settlement was on a hill about
100m to the south. In 2021, in parallel to the work at the necropolis, excavations revealed part of a
building, comprising a wide rectangular room, with a hearth and pottery of the 17th century BC.
The Ephor of Antiquities of Messenia, Evangelia Militsi, reports on excavations at Ypapanti square in
Kalamata (https://www.messinialive.gr/oi-archaiotites-tis-plateias-ypapantis-kai-orthi-diacheirisi-tous-simantikozitima-politismou-gia-tin-kalamata/). Back in 1964–65, Nikos Gialouris had brought to light the walls of a
public building, ca. 100m × 20m, in the same area. It seems that it was in this part of the ancient city
of Pharai that the town centre was located, with the market and the related public buildings around it.
Elena Korka (Director General Emerita of the General Secretariat of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage
at the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports) reports on discoveries made during the systematic excavation at ancient Tenea (ID17186) at Chiliomodi, Corinth, in 2021. The aim of this year’s work was to
complete the excavation of the rooms of the Roman bath (Fig. 3.41) and to investigate the commercial
buildings identified in 2020. The finds from the excavations bear witness to organized settlement in the
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3.38. Discovery of larger-than-life marble head. © ESAG / Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of Antiquities of
Euboea.
area of Tenea as early as the third millennium BC. The quality, as well as the quantity, of the finds highlight the existence of a well-organized settlement placing Tenea on the map of Early Helladic sites of the
northeastern Peloponnese.
Behind the arch of the western caldarium (warm room for bathing), the Vespasian baths (public toilets)
were revealed. A raised floor was found made of clay slabs and pipes re-enforced with clay slabs and
rooftiles, serving as sewage drainage. Eight coins were uncovered, the earliest of which dates to the
end of the second century AD, with others to the third century AD and the end of the fourth and beginning
of the fifth century AD. Among these were also finds from Roman times, such as a bronze ring, a bone
fibula, lamps, and a marble colonnade. Subsequently, to the north of the caldarium, the third praefurnium
(furnace providing underfloor heating) of the baths and the spaces that served to store wooden materials
for its operation were excavated. Within these sections, among other finds from Roman times, fallen architectural members of the Archaic period were brought to light, as well as a cover tile and a seme (the
upturned edge of a roof which serves as a gutter) painted with a red-and-black guilloche border
(Fig. 3.42). These elements probably come from a building of the Archaic period, which is presumed
to be located within the vicinity of the monument, and from which important architectural members have
been identified in previous excavation periods. The bath complex covers a total area of some 800m2, and
includes three caldaria with arched ends, which have alvei (small pools) inside them, as well as underfloor
and wall heating, two cold and warm bath rooms, resting areas and footbaths, Vespasians toilets, a threepart water filtration tank, rainwater collection tank, a water tower, and fuel storage areas. The public baths
of Tenea seem to have been founded shortly before the middle of the second century AD, with two new
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3.39. Bronze sword among the bones of the burial deposit excavated at Trapeza. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports:
Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaea.
3.40. Excavation of chamber tomb 8 at Trapeza. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaea.
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3.41. Aerial photographs of the 2021 excavations in Ancient Tenea, demarcating areas currently under investigation. © Elena Korka.
building phases following, one in the fourth century AD and one in the fifth century AD, during which
interventions, repairs, and extensions were carried out.
To the east of the bath, the archaeological investigation of the areas of commercial activity continued.
These areas extend both to the north and to the south, creating building blocks delimited by surrounding
streets and passages. The excavation of the above areas helped significantly in mapping the urban fabric of
the city, which is constantly being defined with greater clarity. Within the rooms, objects relating to
commercial activity (Roman coarse ware pottery, as well as glass and fine ware vessels for cosmetics,
lamps, etc.) were found. Also excavated were 179 coins dating from the end of the second century
AD until the middle of the sixth century AD (Fig. 3.43). The continuation of excavations in the room
where the hoard of 30 gold coins of the emperors Marcian, Justin I and Justinian were found in 2020
yielded more than 120 new coins. In the same room, at a lower depth, an earlier building of the late
Hellenistic period was revealed, with a north–south orientation. The building appears to extend beyond
the boundaries of the excavated area and will be further investigated during the next excavation period.
The most significant discovery of the season, an Early Bronze Age deposit (Fig. 3.44), was brought to
light 45m north of the bath complex and 2m below the ground. It was covered in a thick layer of stones and
a pile of ceramics, and was itself lined with stones. The deposit was elliptical in shape, with dimensions
3.3m × 3.1m, and descending to 6.8m, gradually narrowing at the end. Finds worthy of mention from the
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3.42. Finds from the Archaic period at ancient Tenea. © Elena Korka.
3.43. Coins from ancient Tenea dating from the second to fourth centuries AD. © Elena Korka.
layer covering the deposit and its near vicinity are human and animal clay figurines, bases of storage
vessels with woven basket impressions and one base with a leaf impression (Fig. 3.45), portions of clay
hearths with incised decoration, feet of tripods, jugs, numerous fragments of open vessels, plates
(including footed and ring-based examples), handles of storage vessels, etc. Significant is also the
discovery of a large number of spindle whorls, as well as loom weights, obsidian flakes, and tools
(Fig. 3.46).
A pilot underwater archaeological investigation (Fig. 3.47) took place in October 2021 in the waters
outside Asine and Tolon in the Argolid (https://www.sia.gr/en/articles.php?tid=669&page=1). The
project was a collaboration between the EUA, the SIA, and Stockholm University, with participants also
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3.44. The Early Helladic deposit at ancient Tenea. © Elena Korka.
3.45. Select finds from the Early Helladic deposit. © Elena Korka.
from the University of Gothenburg and the Nordic Maritime Group. The project had as its primary aim for
the season the documentation of the seabed with an advanced (side-scan) sonar, and to then subsequently
carry out dives at identified anomalies. The project also investigated the seabed around the Kastraki promontory, outside the boundaries of the ancient settlement. Due to the rise in sea level outside the Kastraki
promontory over the past millennia, water erosion has led to the partial collapse of the Hellenistic city wall
into the sea. The accretion of mud and other stones makes it challenging to ascertain when underwater
formations are natural and when they are manmade. Comprehensive sonar investigation, however, has
brought forth evidence that Asine’s harbour in fact comprised a larger area than previously thought,
stretching from the Kastraki promontory to the strait between Tolon and Romvi island. This entire area
was mapped with sonar, and several anomalies on the seabed were investigated, although these turned out
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3.46. Obsidian cores, flakes and tools, clay and stone whorls and weights, a metal and a flint tool from the Early Helladic
deposit. © Elena Korka.
3.47. Diver Niklas Eriksson participating in photogrammetry and traditional drawing underwater at a
depth of 2.5m. © Staffan von Arbin/SIA/EUA.
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3.48. A built stone platform with presumed building remains west of the Kastraki promontory. © Niklas Eriksson/SIA/EUA.
to largely be modern remains or natural objects. The diving team investigated the water on both sides of
the Kastraki promontory. The area was documented with photogrammetry, drone photography, and underwater sketches. The process of sedimentation, as well as the sandy seabed, may explain the absence of
shipwrecks, anchors, and/or cultural layers. A built ‘platform’ of rocks and small stones (Fig. 3.48)
appears to have been directly connected with the ancient settlement at Asine. In the best preserved northern
part of the ‘platform’, several room-like structures came to light. The structures on top of the ‘platform’ are
challenging to interpret as the wall remains are eroded and deformed.
Alcestis Papadimitriou (director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Argolid) reports on the discovery
of a life-sized female marble statue of the Roman period, found last December in the agora of ancient
Epidauros (ID17185). The statue was found intact apart from its hands and head, which probably broke
when the statue fell. It was discovered after the main excavation period at Epidauros during the summer,
when a small part of the back of the statue came to light following heavy rainfall (Figs 3.49–3.50). The
pose and form of the statue is typical of either a married woman or of Hygeia, wife or daughter of
Asklepios. The statue is thought to date to the Roman Imperial period.
Since 2015, systematic excavations have been taking place in the sanctuary of Asklepios by the National
Kapodistrian University of Athens, under the direction of Vasilis Lambrinoudakis. Close to the ancient
theatre (today known as ‘little Epidauros’), which was found inside the ancient agora, an important well
installation has been excavated, connected also to a fourth century BC peribolos, which in the Roman period
took on a new form with the addition of a stoa on the west and a ‘round’ building on its northern side. Details
have come to light that strengthen the association of this structure with the temenos (sacred precinct) of
Asklepios mentioned by Pausanias (Paus. 2.27–8) in relation to the polis of Epidauros.
North Aegean
The EUA and the Archaeology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki report on the results
of the underwater exploration of the small islet of Agios Petros (https://digitalculture.gov.gr/2022/06/
apotelesmata-tis-enalias-sistimatikis-archeologikis-erevnas-sti-nisida-agiou-petrou-alonnisou/), off Alonissos.
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3.49. Statue of a woman in a chiton. © Hellenic Ministry of
Culture and Sports: Ephorate of Antiquities of the Argolid.
The research was carried out within the framework of the first year of the approved five-year programme
(2021–2025). Exploratory underwater research (Figs 3.51–3.52) has been completed in the submerged
part of the Neolithic settlement of Agios Petros, located in the homonymous bay of Kyra-Panagia, north
of Alonissos. This is an important site among the islands of the Aegean, the findings of which give a
complete archaeological picture of the first agricultural groups that settled permanently in the Greek area,
shortly before 6000 BC. The main objective of the underwater archaeological excavation was to uncover
the image presented by the submerged part of the Neolithic settlement (due to the gradual rise of the sea
level), to record the archaeological remains that have been preserved until today, and to make an assessment regarding their future investigation.
The identification of visible anthropogenic remains (technical stone piles, walls, and pottery, at a depth
of 5–7m) was particularly important. The nature of these is expected to be clarified in the context of a
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3.50. Findspot of Roman statue in ancient Epidauros. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of Antiquities of the
Argolid.
3.51. Divers undertaking underwater archaeological research at Agios Petros, Alonissos. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and
Sports: EUA.
future excavation. Equally noteworthy was the preservation of archaeological embankments, mainly
below the sandy bottom, as shown by the core samples taken. The possibility offered by the continuation
of underwater archaeological research at Agios Petros, the earliest sunken island
settlement in the Aegean, is expected to reveal important aspects of the life of the first communities
and navigation in the Aegean islands.
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3.52. Divers exploring the seabed at Agios Petros, Alonissos. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: EUA.
3.53. Divers on the seabed examining buried amphorae. © Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: EUA.
Giorgos Koutsouflakis (EUA) reports on discoveries made in 2021, during the sixth season
(2015–2021) at the Fournoi Archipelago (ID18031, ID8147, ID6598, ID6586). A Byzantine
period shipwreck was investigated near Cape Fygou (Aspros Kavos), north of the settlement of
Kamari on the east coast of Fournoi, 43–48m below the surface. This ship was considered the most scientifically interesting of 58 shipwrecks found at Fournoi, due to its near-complete condition and the broad
variety of cargo it was carrying, including six different types of amphorae from the Black Sea region.
A large part of the cargo seems also to have been made up of pottery (tableware) from Phokaia.
Underwater archaeological investigations were conducted on the western part of the ship’s perimeter
(the shallower side of the wreck). A test section was also opened in the northwest corner to establish
the wreck’s stratigraphy. Fifteen buried amphorae were uncovered (Fig. 3.53), among which some were
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3.54. Islets surveyed in 2021 (map by Alex Knodell). © NIA/Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of Antiquities of
the Cyclades.
attributed to Sinope. Ceramics, some wood, and part of a scaffold were also found. The ceramics proved
instrumental for dating the shipwreck to between AD 480 and AD 520, likely during the reign of
Anastasios I (AD 491–518).
South Aegean
Alex Knodell (Carleton College), Dimitrios Athanasoulis (Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades), and
Žarko Tankosić (University of Bergen) report on the third season of the Small Cycladic Islands Project
(SCIP) (ID18178), which carried out intensive pedestrian survey and architectural documentation in the
uninhabited islets of the western Cyclades and Syros. SCIP is a regional and diachronic archaeological
survey of various small (most under one km2 in area), currently uninhabited islands in the Cyclades. SCIP
aims to investigate archaeological evidence of past human activities on islands that are currently uninhabited (Knodell et al. 2020; Athanasoulis et al. 2021). The 2021 field season included comprehensive
surveys of 18 islands close to Kythnos, Seriphos, Siphnos, and Syros (Fig. 3.54). Each island was
surveyed using a combination of systematic fieldwalking, as well as environmental study and architectural
documentation. The islets surveyed revealed a broad range of human activity from prehistory to the
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3.55. Church of the Panaghia Kypriani on Kitriani, with Siphnos in the background. © NIA / Hellenic Ministry of Culture and
Sports: Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades.
present. Places of particular interest were subject to more detailed site-based collections, which allowed for
the amassing of information about the history of occupation and use on each island, building upon
previous years’ work on Seriphopoula and Kitriani by members of the Ephorate of Antiquities
(Pantou and Papadopoulou 2005; Papadopoulou et al. forthcoming).
The results of survey on Agios Loukas, Seriphopoula, Piperi, Kitriani, and Didymi revealed a complex
history of diachronic use, while other islets had minimal evidence for human activity. Neolithic and Early
Bronze Age sites were able to be identified on the large islets of Seriphopoula, Piperi, and Kitriani, while
Classical-Hellenistic towers were documented on both Piperi and Seriphopoula. At Kolonna, extensive
remains of the Classical, Roman, and Byzantine periods were noted at the site of the Church of
Agios Loukas (built in 1779). On Kitriani, intensive survey provided new insights about the 11th-century
church of Panaghia Kypriani (Fig. 3.55), which contains the only known Middle Byzantine wall paintings
of Siphnos (Chatzidaki 2001). On the island of Didymi (also known as Gaidouronisi), renowned for its
19th-century lighthouse (Fig. 3.56), sites of the Archaic to Early Roman period came to light. Finally, the
project also noted the large quantities of modern garbage on many islands, highlighting the high levels of
risk to such marine and small-island environments, which are already experiencing challenges due to
climate change and encroaching development.
Crete
Pietro Militello, director of the ongoing mission at Phaistos (University of Catania/ Ca’ Foscari
University of Venice/ Istituto di Scienze del Patrimonio Culturale – Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche;
https://www.scuoladiatene.it/component/k2/nsa-ia-notizie-degli-scavi-della-scuola-archeologica-italianadi-atene-2022-1.html) reports on finds from the recent season. The mission is part of the new five-year plan
that aims to address some crucial aspects of the settlement and environmental history of Phaistos, from the
Neolithic to the first millennium BC. In 2022, the area to the west of the palace was investigated with three
new trenches (Figs 3.57–3.59), while Evi Margaritis (Science and Technology in Archaeology and
Culture Research Center, The Cyprus Institute) focused on reconstructing the paleo-environment and diet.
Architectural studies were carried out, focusing on the materials used, masons’ marks, and the reconstruction of elevation, while a topographic group focused on creating relevant cartographic documentation.
D. Matthew Buell (CIG/Concordia University) and Rodney D. Fitzsimons (CIG/Trent University)
report on the Khavania Topographic and Architectural Mapping Project (ID18054) (Figs 3.60–3.61).
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3.56. Didymi Lighthouse, Syros with Ermoupolis in the background © NIA / Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports: Ephorate of
Antiquities of the Cyclades.
3.57. Phaistos, Trench 1. Protogeometric compartment NN,
with the wall structures from the destruction phase and the phase
post-destruction visible. © SAIA.
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3.58. Phaistos, Trench 2. Hellenistic Room 1 from the south. © SAIA.
3.59. Phaistos, Trench 3. Hearth and Geometric wall, from the south. © SAIA.
The overall goal of the project is to study the development of the Bronze Age site at Khavania, considering in particular its local, East Cretan, and broader, island-wide socio-political and economic impact.
During the 2021 session, which continued to be affected by the pandemic, cleaning and documentation
of architectural features took place, employing UAV-captured aerial imagery. The Khavania team also
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3.60. Khavania and the immediate surroundings. © CIG.
conducted intensive pedestrian survey, aiming to determine the general settlement history of the site and
its spatial and chronological patterning. According to Buell and Fitzsimons (2021): ‘24 new architectural
features were discovered, including 19 previously identified features and five newly identified ones. These
were all drawn, photographed, and integrated into the overall site plan. To date, 77 architectural features,
including a quarry [Fig. 3.62], have been identified and fully documented on the Khavania peninsula.’
Examination of the architectural features has allowed nearly all of these to be identified as walls made
of local materials. Furthermore, a minimum of three independent buildings have also been identified
on the Khavania peninsula. The remains of a large structure (ca. 100m2 measurable extant area) on
the northern slope of the peninsula stands out, in particular its impressive northern façade, which has
a maximum width of ca. 1.8m (average width is 1.4m). It is not possible at this time to make any interpretation regarding the building’s dating and function.
The intensive pedestrian survey resulted in a diverse array of finds: 1,603 ceramic sherds, 19 groundstone implements, 17 mud-brick fragments, nine bone fragments, eight pieces of obsidian (chipped), and
one fragment of a Second World War-era mortar shell. One particularly remarkable find, which came from
Area 4, was the stem of an LM II goblet, described as having the ‘very pale buff fabric typical of Knossian
wares’ (Buell and Fitzsimons 2021). The short and hollow stem, as well as its brownish lustrous paint, are
typical of LM II vessels. Preliminary analysis suggests there may be other associated LM II sherds from
this context. The significance of the find comes from the fact that LM II vessels are rare in East Crete, and
rarer still in the Mirabello region. The presence of LM II materials at Khavania may therefore indicate that
the site was in fact occupied during this period and interacting with Knossos.
Athena Tsingarida and Didier Viviers (Université libre de Bruxelles) report on the first season of the
new five-year Itanos campaign (2021–2025) (ID18152), under the auspices of the Belgian School of
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3.61. Intensive survey areas on Khavania. © CIG.
3.62. Khavania, quarry face. © CIG.
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3.63. Itanos, necropolis – Zone E, Sector 14: Cretan aryballos, seventh century BC (inventory number ITA21.61515.01) deposited
on the rock. © EBSA.
Archaeology at Athens (Viviers and Tsingarida 2021). In 2021, two sectors were excavated. These point to
an occupation going back to at least the seventh century BC, and to a significant reorganizational phase,
subsequent to the destruction of the Archaic complex dated to the first half of the fifth century BC. A large
slab and parts of a destroyed wall on the west side (Sector 14) may belong to the phase predating the
construction of the Archaic complex. A Cretan aryballos dating to the seventh century BC was found
under a levelling fill that covered these structures, along with a number of round stones north and west
of the slab (Figs 3.63–3.64). Two of these rounded stones, along with a layer of ashes, were placed directly
on the rock, which appears to have been cut out specifically for this purpose. On the east side (Sector 13), a
badly damaged Hellenistic retaining terrace wall was brought to light. Underneath this, a circulation level
appears to have been built on a levelling fill covering a thick destruction layer. The latter comprised fragmentary mud bricks and ceramic material, dated chiefly to the Archaic period. It seems to be the case that
these came from the destruction of the southern façade of the Archaic complex, the southeastern interior
corner of which was uncovered. Zone Γ, located north of the Archaic funerary complex, was also
partially investigated in 2021. It occupies an intermediary terrace on the slope of the hill (Fig. 3.65) and bears
on its surface evidence of destroyed graves, as well as the top of a number of walls. Work at the site continues.
Amanda Kelly (University College Dublin) reports on a second season of field inspection of the
Aqueducts of the Greater Iraklio Area (ID18034, ID8142). The biggest discovery of the 2021 fieldwork
was an in situ Roman-type stone pipeline at Karydaki (the main spring source of the Venetian aqueduct).
The discovery of the Roman-type stone pipeline at Karydaki (Figs 3.66–3.67) constitutes a unique find in
Crete and perhaps even in Greece. While fallen stone pipes have previously been identified on the east side
of the Venetian bridge at Karydaki, the in situ stone pipeline is a new discovery. While Roman in terms of
typology, these pipes are reused in this pipeline in the Venetian period (Kelly 2022). The supporting wall
carried at least 19 in situ stone pipes (11 complete and at least another eight damaged in situ pipes) with at
least another eight stone pipes lying on the ground below. This constitutes a more impressive number of in
situ stone pipes than in any ancient stone pipeline. Similar stone pipelines from Asia Minor (modern
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3.64. Cretan aryballos, seventh century BC, after restoration. © EBSA.
3.65. Itanos, necropolis – Zone Γ. © EBSA.
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3.66. Karydaki Bridge, north face (photo facing southeast).
© IIHSA (photo: A. Kelly).
3.67. Karydaki Bridge deck (photo facing east towards stone
pipeline). © IIHSA (photo: A. Kelly).
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3.68. Drone photo of the area outside the Pythion at Gortyn, with traces of the late antique walls that were demolished in the
19th-century excavation. © SAIA.
Turkey) have largely been regarded as Roman in date, so this type of pipeline was a surprising find at the
start of the walking study of a known Venetian aqueduct.
At
Gortyn
(https://www.scuoladiatene.it/component/k2/nsa-ia-notizie-degli-scavi-della-scuolaarcheologica-italiana-di-atene-2022-2.html), the investigation in the Byzantine Quarter, co-directed by
Enrico Zanini and Elisabetta Giorgi (University of Siena), now also involves the area surrounding the
ancient temple, where the 2019 excavations revealed an unsuspected continuity of use up to the seventh
century AD (Fig. 3.68). This discovery has prompted a radical rethinking of the traditional interpretation,
which linked the abandonment of the temple to an earthquake in 365 AD. In 2022 the excavation team
reviewed the sparse documentation of the old excavation, cleaned up the walls and the bottom of the
‘crater’ left by previous interventions, and worked on a virtual reconstruction of the Late Antique walls,
as well as recovering some of the chronologically-later finds that may have been discarded in previous
excavations. This research, undertaken via a synergy between the University of Padua and the SAIA,
promises to build a new narrative of Gortyn’s life in the early Byzantine period.
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