Ancient Sikyon - 2021

Ioannis Varalis (ASA / University of Thessaly) reports on complementary research in 2021 in collaboration with the Ephoreia of Antiquities of Corinthia on the Early Christian Basilica that had been excavated by Anastasios K. Orlandos in 1953 and 1954. The objective of this new programme was to study the relation between the church and the coastal settlement of Ancient Sikyon.

North of the basilica, were found the floor of the courtyard and fragments of common pottery of later periods, such as byzantine glazed plates. West of the basilica, in a byzantine period layer, a pit grave was partially preserved in which only two skulls were found.

Four buildings surrounding the basilica were also explored. The construction phases of the SW baptistery. The lead pipe for the baptismal font was found along with the foundations of two L-shaped pillars, than supported an arch on the East side of the baptistery. The North building was a wine press and was preserved in good condition. Its floor was paved with terracotta tiles. In the centre of the room, a circular stone with a square carving in its centre was intended to collect the hard remains of the grape (stones etc.), whereas the juice was collected in stone and in built basins.