KALLIGONI, Anc. Leukas - 2005

Kalligoni, fortification of anc. Leukas. M. Stavropoulou-Gatsi and V. Staïkou (ΛΣτ’ ΕΠΚΑ) report the discovery of a further stretch of the northern branch of the fortification of ancient Leukas during the construction of the new Kalligoni road junction. The course of this wall had already been revealed within the expropriated area in 2002: in 2005 excavation was taken to greater depth, exposing more of the wall foundation and documenting the wall in greater detail. The principal construction phase used isodomic masonry with large worked stone blocks, while a 4.5m-long stretch of polygonal masonry was preserved to a greater height at the western part of the excavation area. The wall (with an estimated width of 3.25m) has two faces, with a fill between and occasional connecting blocks for greater stability. Some of the blocks in the upper courses have anathyrosis and clamp cuttings on the upper face. Along the wall ran the channel of a now ruined 19th-century water mill. In contrast to the western branch of the fortification, which is well preserved and visible in substantial stretches along the upper slopes and ridge of the Koulomos hill, the northern and southern branches are hard to trace and only occasionally visible. The section here studied is thus of considerable significance for the topographical information it provides, and for its monumental character.