Olympia - Temple of Eileithia - 2014

Olympia - Temple of Eileithia. Georgia Emm. Hatzi (Z’ EPKA) reports on the continuation of excavation at the Sanctuary of Eileithia. Excavation took place in three rooms of the building (A, B and C), and test trenches were also placed outside.

Room A: Fallen architectural members were found throughout the room. In the N of a post-classical wall a small stone was found with a votive inscription on one side: ΑΝΕΘΕΚΕ{N}. Among the finds were several bronze coins (of Elis and Sikyon), and a silver coin from the time of Trajan. Finds also included fragments of clay figurines, parts of iron objects, some jewellery, fragments of glass and faience.

Room B: More architectural pieces were found in this room, along with post-classical and early Hellenistic poetry, some with traces of burning on it. An altar was found at a deep level with various offerings on it: bronze roosters, bronze tripod legs and a knife. Lamps of the Roman period were found, along with clay figurines, bronze and silver.

Room C: Layers of burning were found interspersed with various finds: pottery from the Archaic period was also found here.

To the N of the sanctuary a slope was found running E to W, with a few Roman period sherds here. Further N, fragments of glass vessels and Roman lamps were found.