Messene - 2017

Messene. P. Themelis (ASA) reports on continued excavations at the site of ancient Messene (Fig. 1). Investigation of the interior of the underground pi-shaped vaulted stoa and the S part of the Sanctuary of Isis revealed 8 underground halls of over 6m height and varying width in 2 parallel rows with a total extent of over 50m. Their ceilings had collapsed and were covered with earth and decaying undergrowth. One hall was fully excavated (Fig. 2): length 5.50m, width 5.60m, depth 6.50m; a second (Figσ 3-4), partially excavated: length 9m, width 5.60m. The halls communicated with each other by means of tall arched doorways 4m high and 1.60m wide. The excavator hypothesises that the main entrance to the complex was on the W end into the first hall, where an arched entrance 4.50m wide was noted, suggesting a large group entering the space at the same time. The walls were of unworked stone and lime mortar, while their interiors were plastered. The date assigned is the 2^nd to 1^st c. BC.

The complex partially excavated in 2017 is part of the secret stoa which defines the Sanctuary of Isis. A structure was also discovered at ground level, parallel with the interior of the underground stoa, onto which its windows looked (Fig. 5). In the excavation fill were found architectural members from the nearby theatre: sculptures and inscribed marble tablets, one of which bore the inscription:

[Α]ΓΑΘΗ ΤΥΧΗ | [Α]ΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΟ|[ΡΙ] ΝΕΡΟΥΑΙ <|[ΤΡΑ]ΙΑΝΩΙ | [ΚΑΙΣΑΡ]Ι ΣΕ < | [ΒΑΣΤΩΙ Γ]ΕΡ|[ΜΑΝΙΚΩ]Ι | [ΔΑΚΙΚΩ]Ι