Property of Sm. Chalakatevakis-Ventouris, Kalami - 2008

Property of Sm. Chalakatevakis-Ventouris, Kalami. Katerina Tzanakaki (ΚΕ’ ΕΠΚΑ) reports that in Kalami, at the municipality of Souda, the remains of a potential farmstead, which comprises part of Ancient Aptera, were discovered during a salvage excavation. The investigation took place between March 2007 and August 2008. Part of a building dating to mid-3rd c B.C., which underwent extensive repairing during the next century (second half of 2nd c B.C.) probably after a natural disaster, came to light (Fig. 1).  During the Early Hellenistic period, the plan consisted of large square rooms and entrances. It had at least three levels, taking advantage of the ground’s natural slope (Fig. 2).  Its destruction and abandonment, which might have been linked to an earthquake, seem to have occurred during the second half of the 1st c B.C. 

Thirteen rooms of various sizes were discovered. Their tiles have collapsed inside the rooms where a large destruction layer was found. Underneath the tiles, pointed amphorae for oil and wine, as well as cooking pots and shallow bowls were also found (Fig. 3).  Smaller ceramic vessels and items for domestic use, such as plates and skyphoi, lamps, loom weights etc. were also among the finds (Fig. 4) . A multitude of bronze coins were located on the floors, as well as lead items, bronze and iron nails. It is noteworthy that well preserved stone vessels related to industrial works that took place in the house were also present (Fig, 5).  A room used as a wine press was also part of the complex, at least during the first phase of the building (Fig. 6). 

The investigation of the building was not completed due to the fact that part of it is located under a different property towards the W. 

[Entry created by C. Koureta]