SAOULI - Acharavi - 2002

Saouli, Acharavi (Pouliasi property). M. Nakou and Th. Liberatos (Η’ ΕΠΚΑ) report the discovery of a probable storage building with three construction phases in the east part of the plot (the west contained a layer of Classical and mostly Hellenistic pottery). The first phase (second half of the fourth century) was a two room structure, the walls of which were preserved at foundation level having been re-used in the next phase. The absence of evidence for the superstructure, material related to destruction, or any other remains at this depth implies that the building was not finished: it rests directly on sandy soil and was likely abandoned half-complete and then used as basis for the three-roomed structure of the second phase, at the end of the fourth century. The final phase, again with three rooms (of slightly different proportions – wall 6 replaced wall 4, for example) dates to the end of the fourth or early third century. A small area of a floor of this phase was found (shaded on Fig. 1). The entire structure was covered by a destruction layer which contained mostly tile, but over the west room in particular also pithos sherds (including one with geometric relief decoration). Finds include plain domestic pottery, basins, skyphoi and amphorae of the fifth to third centuries BC. Fifteen bronze coins were found: the eight identified are Corfiot issues of 400-300, 300-229, and 229-48BC, coins of Syracuse under Agathocles (317-289), and of Lokri of 300-268. Six lead clamps and masses of lead, black-glaze lamps of the first half of the fourth century, and a bronze spoon were also found. The building was destroyed/abandoned during the first quarter of the third century. The quantity of pithoi and lead clamps found, and the proximity of the building to the sea, suggests a storage function perhaps connected with maritime trade.