SKAFIDIA - 2011

Skafidia. O. Vikatou (Ζ΄ ΕΠΚΑ) reports continuing excavation of the Roman settlement. Remains of Roman buildings which formed part of an extensive planned settlement were found on two building plots (covering ca. 0.1ha). At Loutro, beside the Iardanos river delta and on the western edge of the Skafidia wood, a large bath complex was found. Sixteen functioning rooms were excavated around a central peristyle courtyard with a marble paved floor. Corridors on three sides had floor mosaics depicting geometric and plant motifs in rich colour. Elsewhere, the floor of a very large room (probably the main room of the complex) had dolphins around the perimeter.

The bath complex forms part of a large public or private building in a prominent position and with a commanding view to the sea. The rich colours, polychrome marble wall revetment, floor mosaics, arched ceilings, spacious and comfortable rooms, attest to the luxury of a complex which remained in use from the first to the fourth century AD, with successive building phases the precise dating of which awaits further excavation.