MAZI PLAIN - 2014

Mazi plain (Eleusis-Oinoe). S. Fachard (Geneva/Swiss National Science Foundation), A.R. Knodell (Carleton College/ESAG), and E. Banou (Γ’ ΕΠΚΑ) report on the first season of the Mazi Archaeological Project (MAP). Intensive survey was undertaken in a contiguous area of ca.2km² on the eastern side of the Mazi Plain, including the vicinities of ancient Oinoe and the Mazi Tower (Area a). Extensive survey was conducted within and around this area, as well as in and around the Kouloumbi Plain in the southern part of the survey area (Area b). In total 109 features and feature complexes were recorded, 68 in Area a and 41 in Area b.

Lithics were found in low, but distinct, concentrations throughout the survey area. In total, 446 pieces of chipped stone were collected, the overwhelming majority obsidian. All can reasonably be dated to the Neolithic period or the Bronze Age. In contrast to the relatively low densities found on the plain, a dense lithic scatter was noted on the Lioupiarthi limestone ridge

Pottery and tile were widely distributed throughout the survey area. A few possible Early and Middle Helladic sherds were found, and a small assemblage of Mycenaean pottery (including five kylix stems) northwest of Oinoe, on a gentle slope leading to the present river. Only a few Late Geometric sherds were tentatively identified (their date remains uncertain), and the Archaic period is also poorly represented, with finds mostly concentrated around Oinoe. By the end of the fifth century, the deme site of Oinoe was clearly the dominant hub in the eastern part of the Mazi Plain. The overall settlement pattern, however, is more complex, with several secondary locations of activity. Widespread distributions of Late Roman pottery were identified, as well as a substantial amount of Byzantine and later material.

The fortified settlement of Oinoe is divided between an upper town, occupying a low limestone plateau, and a lower town spreading into the fields to the south. Numerous remains of buildings, walls and streets within the fortified area were drawn. The rectangular site plan (150m north-south, 136m east-west) is unusual in Classical Greek defensive architecture. At least three building phases were recognized: late Classical, Early Hellenistic and Byzantine. In the lower town, the Byzantine fortifications (perhaps reusing the Classical walls), delimit an area of ca. 3.9ha (making the total fortified area ca. 5.6ha). Pottery and tile densities inside these limits contrast sharply with those outside, supporting the existence of a lower town with a clearly demarcated border. Surface finds (pottery, glazed tiles, amphorae and beehives) indicate dense Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine occupation. Secondary settlements discoeverd include one ca. 800 m south of Oinoe (on the Stanes Pepas plot), with ceramic evidence for activity from the second half of the fifth century BC to the early Hellenistic period, and again in the Roman and Early Christian periods. A second focus of settlement surrounds the Mazi tower (standing 14m high), 2.2km west of Oinoe. Here a very high pottery and tile density covered ca. 1ha: pottery (cooking and storage wares, including a Hellenistic pithos) may indicate habitation between the end of the fourth and the second century BC, and again in the Roman and Byzantine periods.

A particularly significant discovery was a long stretch of the ancient Eleusis-Oinoe road, a vital link with the rest of Attica and Athens. The westernmost section of this road includes six zigzag switchbacks as it descends into the Kouloumbi valley. Wheel ruts were noted at several points. A Classical-Hellenistic child cist grave made of tiles was found near the point where the road enters the valley. Traffic along the Oinoe road would have been monitored from the Velatouri tower (8.3m in diameter, made of polygonal limestone blocks, and preserved to a height of 3m). Surface pottery, collected among the mass of fallen blocks, suggests fourth-century BC construction and occupation. Walls were found to the southeast, with many glazed tile fragments on the surface.