KEPHALLONIA - Fiskardo - 2007

Fiskardo. A. Sotiriou (Director, ΛΕ' ΕΠΚΑ) reports the discovery of part of a small theatre or odeion of the 2nd−3th Ct AD in the course of a rescue excavation on the land of R. Donadou and P. Karava . Part of the koilon and the paved orchestra (5.45m di.) were found in an excellent state of preservation: the structure continues under the neighbouring Apodemon Erissianon street and into a further plot, where excavation is expected to continue. The koilon had 4 tiers of seats of which the first had stone backrests: the small number of kerkides is unusual, but comparisons are noted with similar structures at Ambrakia and Alexandria. An unusual rectangular niche or exedra requires further explanation.

In the SW part of the same plot, was a Rom chamber tomb (8.2 x 5.8m) with a form of antechamber. Inside, and in irregular arrangement, were a vaulted tomb, an undecorated stone sarcophagus and a cist tomb containing 2 enchytrismoi. The façade of the vaulted tomb had the appearance of a building with a pediment and a fully functional low stone door (with a knob on each side to open to the overworld and the underworld). A 2nd Rom chamber tomb was excavated on the plot opposite. Both tombs were found intact and with a rich range of grave goods, including glass and ceramic vessels, gold earrings, rings and a pin, the gold coin placed in the mouth of the deceased, a ring with a depiction of Eros, gold leaf, bone pins, bronze attachments with relief decoration, and bronze coins and keys. The report emphasizes the quantity and significance of the Rom remains found in this area in recent years (citing a paved courtyard surrounded by oikimata, a planned cemetery and a bath), which underline the importance of Fiskardo as a naval station linking Italy with mainland Greece and in direct contact with Nikopolis.