Gyros. E. Kourinou (National Archaeological Museum)  presents archival evidence which indicates that the 7thCt BC seated statue (ANM 57) long assigned to the Sanctuary of Demeter near Agiorgitika instead probably came from the Sanctuary of Artemis at Gyros, near Mouchli, E of Agiorgitika in the W foothills of Mt Ktenias, partially excavated by V. Bérard in 1889.  Documents here reproduced include lists of Bérard’s finds and of items from the sanctuary confiscated from a local smuggler. Lire la suite

Aspis. - (Gilles Touchais, Paris 1/EfA, et Anna-Philippa-Touchais, EfA, et, pour la muraille, Sylvian Fachard, ESAG). Les travaux sur la colline de l’Aspis, où les travaux ont bénéficié comme tous les ans depuis 2005, d’une subvention de l’INSTAP, ont concerné deux points principaux : l’habitat mésohelladique, avec la poursuite des travaux de consolidation sur le terrain, à l’issue desquels les vestiges du secteur Est sont beaucoup plus lisibles et les structures mieux armées pour résister aux agents destructeurs (fig. 1-3). L’� Lire la suite

Isthmia. E. Gebhard (ASCSA/Chicago) reports on continuing study by the University of Chicago. Construction debris from the Archaic Temple of Poseidon showed that the wall blocks were finished when hoisted into place. A block was identified as belonging to a stone floor in the pteron at the east end of the building, installed probably in the second half of the sixth century BC. A stylobate block, adjacent but not in situ, has a cutting on its rear edge for a floor slab or other stone fitting. Examination of materials from the construction of the Classical Temple of Poseidon and its subsequent rebuilding after Lire la suite

Kenchreai. E. Korka (Ministry of Culture and Tourism), J. Rife (ASCSA/Vanderbilt University) and K. Kissas (Director, ΚΖ' ΕΠΚΑ), with P. Kasimi (ΚΖ' ΕΠΚΑ), report on the 2009 excavation season on the Koutsongila ridge north of the ancient harbour (Figs 1-2). In area A, activity concentrated on the wall found in 2007 and the areas to the west and east. A further 4m long stretch was uncovered, continuing south (Fig. 3). The wall rests at the base of a small hill; a dense Early to Middle Roman sherd deposit, representing pottery washed downslope against the wall, was found to continue along its interior (west) Lire la suite

Ancient Corinth. G. Sanders (ASCSA) reports on the 2009 season of excavation and study in the complex of medieval and post-medieval houses in the area of the South Stoa. Documentation of pottery from the 1960s excavations and of the standing remains in the central section was completed (Fig. 1). Later structures overlying the medieval house in the central section of the area were removed and six rooms excavated down to their construction phase (Fig. 2). The floor of the northwest room was covered with a thin sherd deposit representing a minimum of 37 Constantinopolitan White Ware pitchers. Such pitchers were frequently Lire la suite

Sikyon Survey Project. Y. Lolos (Thessaly) reports on the 2009 study season (Fig. 1). Prehistoric pottery of all phases from Middle Neolithic to LHIIIC was found in small quantities mostly on the southeast edge of the plateau. A very little Geometric and Archaic pottery and small concentrations of Classical were also found on the plateau: the majority of sherds are Hellenistic and Roman. Most are coarse domestic ware: petrographic analysis shows that this fabric is a mixture of marl and terra rossa clays with quartz, limestone and flint inclusions. The Early and Middle Hellenistic pottery of Sikyon (end of the fourth- to the mid second-century BC) r Lire la suite

Nemea, Sanctuary of Zeus. K. Shelton (ASCSA/Berkeley) reports on activity in 2009. Museum study (directed by S. Miller) focused on skeletal material from Early Christian burials around the sanctuary, with samples taken for analysis of diet, environment and health status. Reconstruction of the Temple of Zeus (Fig. 1) focused on the foundations and krepis at the east end, especially the northeast corner. Finishing on columns K-29 and K-28 was completed following the installation of their capitals. The 13 drums for column K-27 were completed and installed on the temple, along with the capital. Surface finishing of K-27 co Lire la suite

Kleonai. T. Mattern (DAI/Marburg) and K. Kissas (Director, ΛΖ' ΕΠΚΑ) report on the 2009 survey season. Areas identified as survey targets from ΕΠΚΑ archives were systematically visited. Numerous new find locations were mapped, providing both a view of the settlement history of the valley and information to assist in coordinating the protection of archaeological monuments. In the Daliani area east of Ag. Vasileios, localized concentrations of well-preserved early pottery were found on the edge of a scattered ancient settlement. In conjunction with known older Geometric pottery, this confirms early settlement. Near the Ag. Vasileios ra Lire la suite

Mycenae. S. Iakovides (ASA) reports on continued excavation in the lower city and on a geophysical survey of the area (Fig. 1). Hellenistic structures were oriented towards the Hellenistic theatre. A thick layer of reddish-brown soil separated the Hellenistic and Archaic remains from the Mycenaean and Geometric beneath. At the northwest edge of the excavation area, an originally round, thick-walled structure was transformed into an apsidal building by the addition of side walls. Inside were stones, unfired bricks and tiles, plus Hellenistic sherds which date the use of the structure as a cistern or well. To the west was a round stone hearth, preserv Lire la suite

Midea. The Greek-Swedish excavation on the Mycenaean acropolis of Midea continued in 2009 under the direction of K. Demakopoulou (Director Emerita, National Museum) with the collaboration of A.-L. Schallin (Director, Swedish Institute at Athens) and N. Divari- Valakou (then Γ' ΕΠΚΑ, now Director, Γ' ΕΠΚΑ, Director of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Ministry of Culture and Tourism). The Greek team excavated on the lower west terrace of the acropolis and the Swedish team in the area of the east gate. The Greek team completed investigation of the syrinx through the west section of the fortification wall, Lire la suite

Tiryns. J. Maran (DAI/Heidelberg) reports the completion in 2009 of the documentation and restoration of the ca. 1,000 fresco fragments and fragment groups found by the Archaeological Service near the West Stairs in 1999−2001 (Fig. 1). These finds belong to the same complex as the frescos found in 1910 (e.g. the large procession of women, hunting frieze, deer frieze). Study continues, but preliminary results may be noted. In certain cases, analysis of the find conditions and contexts on the Tiryns acropolis permits paintings found in secondary debris to be allocated to particular ranges of rooms within the palace, an Lire la suite

Lerna. M.H. Weincke (ASCSA) reports on continuing work on a conservation plan for the House of the Tiles and a programme to improve the Lerna display in Argos Museum. Analysis of the stone eaves of the House of the Tiles shows them to be made of a shale or siltstone (chlorite and illite) quarried locally. Lire la suite

Franchthi Cave. K.D. Vitelli (ASCSA) reports on continuing study and analytical programmes. Study of the Franchthi ornaments was devoted to Neolithic assemblages, in particular from trenches FAN, FAS and L5. Eight phases and sub-phases are recognized, in general agreement with the lithic and ceramic phasing. Early and Middle Neolithic show strong continuity, whereas sharp breaks occur at the beginning of the Late and Final Neolithic. Microscopic study and photography of the manufacturing and wear traces on the FAS and FAN material revealed variety among the apparently homogenous series o Lire la suite

Kandalos and Manthyrea (Anc. Manthyrea). M. Petropoulos (Director, ΛΘ' ΕΠΚΑ) reports the discovery, in the course of excavation connected with the project to re-establish Lake Taka, of Mycenaean -Late Roman walls in a location near Tegea which accords with Pausanias’ placing of ancient Manthyrea.   Lire la suite

Tegea, Palaia Episkopi. A.-V. Karapanagiotou (ΛΘ' ΕΠΚΑ), D. Athanasoulis (25th EBA) and K. Ødegård (Norwegian Institute at Athens) report on the first season of collaborative excavation in 2009. West of the ancient theatre and the Byzantine church of Episkopi, the paving of the ancient agora was revealed in a succession of tile-packed surfaces of the Byzantine period, the latest dating to the 12th century AD. Slag from a Byzantine metalworker’s shop was also found. To the north were the remains of Byzantine buildings, one of which was evidently linked to agricultural activity since the thick cement floor of one room fits its use as a wine- Lire la suite

Mount Lykaion, Sanctuary of Zeus. M. Petropoulos (Director, ΛΘ' ΕΠΚΑ), M. Voyatzis (ASCSA/Arizona) and D.G. Romano (ASCSA/Pennsylvania) report on excavation and study in 2009 (Fig. 1). Stratigraphical evidence places the first use of the altar in the prehistoric period (Fig. 2). Late Neolithic, Early, Middle and Late Helladic pottery was discovered, with Mycenaean especially well represented (noting numerous kylikes and other small finds). Strata above this include Submycenaean and Protogeometric material, and Geometric to Hellenistic sherds in an apparently continuous sequence. There were large quantities of Final Neolithic, Early and M Lire la suite

Agios Vasileios. A. Vasilogamvrou (Director, Ε' ΕΠΚΑ) reports the discovery of further remains of Mycenaean settlement in the course of rescue excavation. In addition to pottery and figurines, fresco fragments and fragments of three Linear B tablets indicate the existence of a higher-order centre in the vicinity. Tablet 1 preserves the word e-pi-zo-ta, referring to daggers or short swords, on one side in a large quantity (500−999) and, on the other, in a smaller (100). Tablet 2 has the name ti-jo-ko (Antichos). Tablet 3 preserves the following words on each line: -to-jo (line 1); wi-ti-mi-ja (Isthmia) (line 2); Lire la suite

Pavlopetri. E. Spondylis (EMA) and J. Henderson (BSA/Nottingham) report on the first season of underwater survey of the submerged prehistoric town off the Pounta shore, opposite Elaphonisos. The site was first identified in 1904, rediscovered in 1967, and in 1968 surveyed by a team from the University of Cambridge using a fixed-grid system and hand tapes. The resulting plan, covering an area of 300m x 100m, included at least 15 separate building complexes, courtyards, streets, two chamber tombs and 37 cist graves. The underwater site continues south onto Pavlopetri island, on which were visible remains of walls and oth Lire la suite

Messene. P. Themelis (ASA) reports on a further season of excavation in the theatre, the north stoa in the agora and the monopteros. In the theatre, the east retaining wall of the koilon was completely exposed to its lowest course. This is also the north wall of the skenotheke of which the east wall and the stylobate of the south side are preserved (Figs 1-3). Three parallel channels in the floor of the skenotheke allowed the movement of wheeled wooden scenery into the orchestra from the end of the third century BC to the first century AD (Fig. 4). Behind the north wall of the skenotheke lay the sloping floor which led to Lire la suite

Ithome. P. Themelis (ASA) reports on excavation within the sekos of the temple (thought to be dedicated to Eileithyia and the Kouretes), which revealed an ivy-leaf shaped statue base. A stone shelf around the sekos was for the placing of dedications (Fig. 1). Lire la suite

Ancient Thouria. X. Arapogianni (ASA) reports on continuing excavation (Fig. 1). A large polygonal retaining wall (14m long, 3.1m high, oriented north-south: Fig. 2) forms a corner at its northern end, continues east-west for 4m and is continued for 30m to the south by a more recent isodomic retaining wall. (Fig. 3) A stone staircase (Fig. 4) leads up to the platform, on which the north, south and east sides of the large isodomic building A (oriented east-west) were exposed (Fig. 5). Inside were the remains of its Laconian tiled roof above an ash layer. Small cisterns of tile and lime mortar were later constructed around the building. T Lire la suite

Iklaina. M. Kosmopoulos (ASA) reports on a further season of excavation. The LHII or LHIIIA1 house B was built on the remains of earlier structures (Fig. 1). House Γ had two phases (Fig. 2). The first comprises three rooms, one of which contained a central hearth surrounded by four column bases. In the second, four small storerooms were built in the southern part of the structure, containing many LHIIIA2−B sherds of kylikes, skyphoi, pithoi and rhyta, figurines and animal bones. House Δ had three rooms, one of which contained many sherds and figurines (Fig. 3). Pottery from this structure dates to LHIIIA1 to LHIIIB. Investigation o Lire la suite

Pylos, Palace of Nestor. S. Stocker (ASCSA) and J. Davis (Director, ASCSA) report on the 2009 study season. Human remains from Mycenaean chamber tombs at Kato Rouga in Chora and from a third tomb in the Kokkevis group at Kato Englianos were examined. Study of wall-plaster and floor-plaster continued, and documentation of all painted plaster remaining in situ in the palace was begun. Study of Byzantine artefacts from the Northeast Gateway was completed, as was examination of Middle Helladic pottery from the so-called Petropoulos Trench. Progress was made in the documentation of pottery from the Pantries, while Lire la suite

Kakovatos. B. Eder (DAI/Freiburg) reports on the first season of renewed fieldwork in 2009, to investigate the spatial extent, building types and chronological span of the Mycenaean settlement on the so-called acropolis (Fig. 1). A geodetic study produced a topographic plan of the Kakovatos area and a terrain model of the archaeological zone (Fig. 2). Geophysical survey aimed both to find evidence for ancient structures and to trace the areas excavated by Dörpfeld in 1907−1908. A geomagnetic survey was made of the entire archaeological zone, with geoelectric tomographic sections, mapping and 3-D tomography then appl Lire la suite

Triphylia. J. Heiden (DAI) reports on the fourth campaign of study at ancient Triphylia. Resistivity survey at Makistos revealed a rectilinear grid which may be the street system of a Classical polis. A main street and a narrower side street are visible. At Samikon, the 1:1,000 plan was corrected and individual buildings mapped at 1:50. Based on a 3D laser scan, elevations of two towers of the city wall were drawn. Tower 6, east of the acropolis, was recorded. No pre-fourth- century BC pottery was found apart from two Middle Helladic sher Lire la suite

Olympia, Sanctuary of Zeus. R. Senff (DAI) reports on continuing excavation in the southeast complex and geophysical survey in the area of the ancient hippodrome, undertaken in 2009. In the so-called southeast complex (Fig. 1), the ancient layers immediately adjacent to the external wall were well preserved, had not been washed away by the river and extended east at increasing depth, their slope indicating a shoreline escarpment. The wall, of rough limestone blocks and large river pebbles, shows several building phases. Excavation halted ca. 2m below the surface due to the unusually high water table, although pottery a Lire la suite

Mygdalia. L. Papazoglou-Manioudaki (National Archaeological Museum) reports on the second season of excavation at the Mycenaean settlement in 2009. Mygdalia is a naturally fortified hill bordered to the east and west by the rivers Philiouras and Xeropotamos (Fig. 1).  Previous discoveries include Geometric pithos burials and a LHIIB−IIIA1 tholos on the west slope of the hill. Mycenaean cemeteries are known immediately to the east at Koukouri (Achaia Clauss) and the west at Krini. Settlement covers ca. 6,500m2 over three terraces (Fig. 2). Terrace 3 is supported from the Lire la suite

Aigialeia. A. Pontrandolfo (SAIA/Salerno) reports on the seventh season of survey conducted in 2009 in collaboration with the Στ' ΕΠΚΑ and the KERA/EIE (Centre for Greek and Roman Antiquity, National Research Foundation). This first season of a renewed programme was focused in the Krios valley, on the upper part of the fluvial basin towards the borders of Arcadia (Figs 1-3). The intent was to combine survey with the excavation record derived notably from the work of the Austrian Institute and the Στ' ΕΠΚΑ around modern Seliana, identified with the ancient polisma of Phelloe (Pausanias 7.26.10−11), noting Lire la suite

Platiana. G. Hatzi (Director, Ζ’ ΕΠΚΑ) notes the investigation in 2009 on the east slopes of the acropolis, at the site of Aloni Boliari, of a probably public, temple-like structure with few finds. Lire la suite

Vartholomio, Katsiveri. G. Hatzi (Director, Ζ’ ΕΠΚΑ) reports the discovery of a large Mycenaean tholos tomb (10m external diameter, 36m total length including the short dromos), close Lire la suite

Ag. Nikolaos, Andravida (Staphidokambos). In the course of a report of the work of the Ζ’ ΕΠΚΑ in 2009, G. Hatzi (Director, Ζ’ ΕΠΚΑ) notes a third- to fourth-century AD deposit found during irrigation work.  Lire la suite

Vryses (Olena), Paliolena. In the course of a report of the work of the Ζ’ ΕΠΚΑ in 2009, Lire la suite

Mageira, Olympia. G. Hatzi (Director, Ζ’ ΕΠΚΑ) reports the discovery of four Mycenaean chamber tombs Lire la suite

Vageni, Krestena. In the course of a report of the work of the Ζ’ ΕΠΚΑ in 2009, Lire la suite

Phigaleia, Perivolia (Diasello). G. Hatzi (Director, Ζ’ ΕΠΚΑ) reports the continuation of systematic Lire la suite

Property of A. Rigou (O.T. 127).  K. Diamanti (5th EBA) reports the discovery of a Roman-Byzantine orthogonal building in the course of rescue excavation in 2008-9. Two successive arched cisterns occupy a large part of the plot, with associated rooms which are to be connected either with the Middle Byzantine church on the neighbouring Rigou plot, or with the olive press of the same period on the neighbouring Philippopoulou property. Lire la suite

Sparta Acropolis. K. Diamanti (5th EBA) reports on work on the Byzantine church on the south slope of the acropolis, which is in contact with the west side of the curved retaining wall of the so-called round building. Work in 2008 and 2009 fully exposed the exterior of the church. Inside, on the line of the north colonnade of the altar and to the west, was part of a slightly projecting, orthogonal structure; only the foundati Lire la suite

Patras, inner ring road.The 6th EBA reports the discovery, in the course of road construction, of building remains showing continuous use of the area southeast of the Kastro from Early Christian to Ottoman times. Attention is drawn to: a section of the Frankish fortification which circled the city outside the Kastro; Middle and Late Byzantine residential insulae. A large quantity of pottery was recovered, along with many stone items and 48 coins. Lire la suite

Patras, 28 Pantanassis Street (property of the Demos Patreon). The 6th EBA reports the completion of excavation on a plot.  A secular building or residential complex was partially revealed (a rectangular room with a doorway and tiled roof, plus a small part of a second room) close to the site of earlier building remains. Pottery, coins and architectural style combined to indicate its use from Early Christian to Early Byzantine times (fifth to sixth centuries AD). Finds include a near-complete Early Christian terracotta bread stamp, a large quantity of fifth- to sixth-century bronze coins (94, mainly minimi but also two Lire la suite

Pallantion. S. Fritzilas (ΛΘ’ ΕΠΚΑ) reports on results from a series of test trenches opened in connection with the management of Lake Takka, which extend for ca. 500m along the north-south axis of the ancient city on the lower plain. Archaic to Byzantine occupation was confirmed, with most pottery dating to the Hellenistic and Roman periods.  A major part of the city wall (ca. 3.2m wide) was found 500m from the acropolis. Only the foundations are preserved (with cut-stone faces surrounding a rubble core): the superstructure was mud brick.  At the north end lay the remains of a tower destroyed at the Lire la suite

Tegea, Episkopi (property of G. Oikonomopoulou). The ΛΘ’ ΕΠΚΑ reports the discovery of an Early Archaic-Early Hellenistic potter’s workshop, pehaps close to a shrine to judge from the nature of the products. Finds include lion-head spouts, basins, marble rooftiles, and Late Archaic-Early Classical fine pottery.      Lire la suite

Manari. The ΛΘ’ ΕΠΚΑ reports the discovery, during the construction of the Asea intersection of the Tripolis to Kalamata motorway, of a Late Roman wine press. The press was preserved intact (fig. 1) with a vat to hold the grapes or must.    Lire la suite

Megalopolis. The ΛΘ’ ΕΠΚΑ reports the discovery, while extending the modern city cemetery, of the foundations of a public building ca. 200m south of the upper diazoma of the theatre koilon. The building was destroyed by fire, probably during the attack of Kleomenes III in 223/2 BC, as happened to many other shrines and buildings in the city. The destruction level contained architectural terracottas from the superstructure (sima, antefixes, etc: fig. 1). On Sophokleous Street, the foundations of houses from the Hellenistic city were revealed, built of undressed stone with brick superstructures now lost.  Finds include rooftiles, Lire la suite

Veligosti. The ΛΘ’ ΕΠΚΑ reports the discovery, during the construction of the Veligosto junction on the Tripolis to Kalamata motorway, of obsidian and flint fragments, and stone tools, indicating prehistoric settlement. Hellenistic buildings were also found, plus a stone-built well, a potter’s kiln, and Roman and Byzantine tombs.  Lire la suite

Soulario (Agios Konstantinos). The ΛΘ’ ΕΠΚΑ reports the discovery, during the construction of the Leuktro-Sparta road, of building remains of the late sixth to last quarter fourth centuries, plus a Byzantine cemetery. Lire la suite

Paralio Astros, Astra (property of D. Kopsiafti). The ΛΘ’ ΕΠΚΑ reports on rescue excavation undertaken following the discovery of a marble ionic column with a Attic-type base which was removed to Astros Museum (figs 1-2). A probable Late Roman bath has been partially excavated: remains include strong walls of brick and tile, walls of brick and cement, hydraulic cement, part of a hypocaust and terracotta pipes, plus a tiled floor (fig. 3).    Lire la suite