Lechaion Harbor and Settlement Land Project - 2025

Lechaion - Corinthia. (Ephorate of Antiquities of Corinth) and Paul Scotton (California State University) reports on work conducted in 2025, as part of the Lechaion Harbor and Settlement Land Project, a synergasia between the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corinth, the ASCSA, and the California State University. 

Excavations continued in previously investigated areas (Fig. 1). In Area A (Porticus and Adjacent Areas), two structures south of the Southern Room showed evidence of post-destruction occupation in the 6th century CE, possibly extending into the 7th century in the eastern structure—the first unequivocal occupation levels identified by LHSLP after ca. 500 CE (Fig. 2). In the Western Room, murex shells and two modified amphorae likely associated with dye production were found, alongside abundant painted stucco suggesting an earlier function. In Area B (Warehouse), excavations in Room 3 revealed multiple floor levels containing ash, metal slag, and over 100 small-denomination coins. Room 4 yielded a donkey skeleton beneath collapsed roof tiles. In Area C (Civic Basilica), excavation of the calcidicum revealed a substantial post-abandonment collapse, marble and stone paving fragments, decorated mortar, and multilayered mortared-tile segments potentially associated with a barrel vault or wall string course. In Area D (Mausoleum), excavations uncovered mortar bedding for the entrance ambulatory, collapsed masonry, and several tile graves. One grave contained a skeleton and approximately 64 kg of pottery dating to the mid-2nd century BCE. The inner chamber revealed additional radial arms, marble revetment, mosaic fragments, and scattered human remains potentially associated with previously discovered sarcophagus fragments. Four further tile graves were excavated north-northwest of the mausoleum, with skeletal remains recovered for study in 2026.