Petras - 2007

Petras, plot of N. Stamatakis. M. Tsipopoulou (KΔ'ΕΠΚΑ) reports on excavations in this plot adjacent to the tarmac road from Petras to Piskokephalo, conducted with the participation of G. Papadatou (Figs 1-2). Neopalatial architectural remains, a section of Roman irrigation pipe, and a Byzantine oil or wine vat made of lime-plaster were revealed. The Neopalatial remains indicate that the Neopalatial settlement of Petras covered a very wide area and was not confined to the top and slopes but reached the base of the hill, adjacent to the ancient coastline. The section of irrigation pipe adds new data on the use of Petras in the Roman period, hitherto previously known only from a few tombs excavated in the modern settlement. The plastered vat indicates rural oil or wine production in Petras perhaps from the Early Byzantine period.