RIGAIIKA - 2014

Rigaiika. The ΛΣτ’ ΕΠΚΑ reports the discovery, at the site of the planned Missolongi junction on the Ionia Odos, of a rich and extensive Classical-Hellenistic cemetery: excavation began in 2009 and still continues. The site lies between ancient Kalydon and Alikyrna and is bordered by a road which probably linked to the main network, but it is not yet possible to assign the cemetery securely to either city. The 323 tombs discovered were arranged in groups around a common central axis (east-southeast/west-northwest) ca 1km long (probably the line of a main road, with sections of paving preserved). They were mainly pits and cists, plus two tombs of Macedonian type (one within a peribolos) (Fig. 1). They usually contained a single adult inhumation, but there were also instances of child and infant burials generally placed higher in the grave (in some cases above a lower burial). Skeletal remains were generally well preserved; in a few cases there were traces of burning on or by the bones, and common finds of iron nails indicates the use of biers or similar constructions.

Most tombs contained rich offerings of high quality ceramic and metal items, although a number lacked goods. Some 400 vessels include lekythoi, pyxides, skyphoi, bowls and cups, lamps, kantharoi, plates, thilastra, glass amphoriskoi, lachrymateria, hydriae, and thymiateria, and other finds include human and animal figurines (as well as satyrs), bronze jewellery and dress and toilet items (mirrors, pins, fibulae and necklaces), strigils, silver coins ('Charon's olbols'). Figurines were mostly found in child graves (as were astragaloi). Jewellery was found in the psoition in which it would be worn. Ceramic vessels were generaly small and were both items of daily use and specifically intended for the tomb. They included plainware (e.g. lamps, bowls, kyathoi, lachrymateria and kantharoi) and vessels with a brown-black glaze inside and out. Red figure and Elean type lekythoi were also found.