Angelokastro - 2025

Angelokastro - Aetolia-Acarnania. The first season of systematic archaeological excavations at Angelokastro was completed in July 2026. The project is a five-year research programme (2026–2030), directed by Olympia Vikatou (Greek Ministry of Culture), in collaboration with Li Xinwei (Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens). and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Aetolia-Acarnania and Lefkada.

The programme aims to investigate the ancient settlement of Arsinoe, focusing on its urban layout, residential organisation and major architectural remains (Fig. 1). Excavations took place at the site of Kakavaria, where architectural remains had previously been identified. This year's work focused on expanding earlier excavation areas, documenting existing structures and gathering further evidence about the organisation of the ancient settlement. Of particular importance was the investigation of a substantial building, partly excavated in the past by archaeologist Lazaros Kolonas. New findings indicate that it was a carefully constructed square building featuring a colonnaded courtyard, with evidence of alterations and successive phases of use. Its architectural features show similarities to buildings at other sites in Aetolia-Acarnania, including Kalydon. The excavation also yielded significant archaeological finds, including roof tiles (Fig. 2), terracotta roof ornaments (Fig. 3), pottery, bronze coins and animal remains.