Little Islandscape of the Saronic Project (LISP) - 2025

Islands in the Saronic Gulf. Christopher Nuttall (Swedish Institute at Athens) reports on the second year of the Little Islandscape of the Saronic Project (LISP).

In Panagitsa (Lagousaki) island, the survey traced material dating to the Classical and Hellenistic periods, as well as the Byzantine and modern. This was mostly pottery and a limited number of architectural elements. The largest concentration of pottery was found in the NE part of the island. Finds include black-glazed pottery of the Classical and Hellenistic periods, and a handle fragment from a pseudo-Koan amphora, dating from the Hellenistic to the Roman Imperial period (Fig. 1). A second concentration of pottery was identified below the small chapel, consisting primarily of coarse-ware vessels with combed decoration, including amphorae and storage vessels. These finds point to an earlier phase of activity at the site, most likely during the Byzantine period.

Dragonera, Aggistri. The surface survey around Dragonera beach identified archaeological material along all sides of the rocky outcrop, despite challenging conditions caused by limestone bedrock and dense pine-needle cover. Finds included pottery sherds dating from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Modern periods, with one fragment possibly dating to the Early Helladic period. The densest concentration, comprising Hellenistic and Byzantine coarse pottery and a polished stone tool, was found on the southern agricultural terraces. Overall, the limited assemblage suggests relatively modest activity, although the nature and extent of land use remain uncertain. 

The Agia Varvara area in Aggistri comprises a range of archaeological sites across an elevated plateau, now cultivated with vineyards and olive groves. In the northeastern sector, Early Helladic pottery, predominantly dating to EH II, and at least twenty stone tools may indicate a small prehistoric agricultural settlement. In the central sector, Early Byzantine combed coarse pottery suggests a possible rural farmstead. Around the Church of Agia Varvara, probably dating to after 1700, remains of three buildings and three carefully constructed cisterns were identified, reflecting agricultural activity. Pottery spans several periods, including Early Helladic, Hellenistic, Roman and Early Modern. Hellenistic–Roman finds suggest a small settlement, possibly a farmstead dating to around the first century BC, taking advantage of the area’s fertile soils. The western sector contains evidence of post-Byzantine activity, including forest paths likely used for pine-resin collection, possible temporary huts, animal enclosures and concentrations of stone heaps of uncertain function. 

In 2025. survey was concluded in the Dorousa islet. Inspite of the rocky cliffs, a concentration of Classical and Hellenistic pottery was found south of the island, likely from a small rural community that inhabited Dorousa in the fourth century BCE.

Supplementary surveys were conducted at Bariama and the northern and southern sectors of Agios Nikolaos. At Bariama, finds were predominantly Early Helladic pottery and obsidian, with evidence suggesting activity during the Final Neolithic and Early Helladic I periods. The site may have served as a sheltered anchorage and an intermediary in a regional maritime network involved in the production and exchange of polished stone tools. Later Archaic and possibly Geometric–Classical finds indicate intermittent, potentially ritual use. North of Agios Nikolaos, the distribution of Classical–Hellenistic pottery and roof tiles proved more extensive than previously recognised. Two roofing phases suggest prolonged use of a substantial building, possibly a wealthy rural residence or a sanctuary. South of the church, wall remains and decorated coarse amphora fragments suggest a Byzantine date for an agricultural boundary wall. A triangular enclosure may have functioned as a storage area for agricultural produce awaiting transport by sea.