SKALA OROPOU - 2011

Skala Oropou. A. Mazarakis Ainian (ASA) reports on excavation in the west section of the Geometric and Archaic settlement, which concentrated on two new elliptical buildings, ΛΘ and Μ, and the remains of a third rectangular structure ΛΗ.

Building Μ (4.65x6.5m) had an entrance with a stone threshold, and perhaps evidence for the wooden roof supports. A stone structure in the southwest part of the interior appears to be a table. Around it were Late Geometric sherds, small undecorated pots, and the foot of a large vessel. A narrow court led into a hollow, perhaps used for ritual libations. Ash and burnt earth were found on and around the table, and were probably from ceremonial use.

The second elliptical building ΛΘ was older and larger than building Μ (4.8x7.5m). Investigated was only partial because of running water across its floor. A seventh-century potter’s kiln was found. The firing chamber was built from bricks now hardened and solidified by fire: the stomion opened to the west. Part of a rectangular building ΛΗ was revealed, which probably formed part of the kiln complex.