THISBE Kastorion - 2008

Thisbe (Kastorion). A. Dunn (BSA/Birmingham) and E. Gerousi (Director, 23rd EBA) report on the 2008 study season.
A Digital Elevation Model of the site was completed, and topographical and architectural surveys of all visible structures in and around Thisbe corrected and supplemented. Eleven EByz, MByz and Fr churches and chapels have been recorded: at least 2 are probably MByz of the inscribed cruciform plan with 4 central piers (spolia) and 3 semicircular apses. Less typical is the ruined, multi-phase church now known as Ag. Loukas (almost certainly the Episcopal church of the bishopric of Kastorion). Phase I of this building shows design traits related either to the high-status ‘transitional’ type of the L6th−9thCt or to the Panagia of Skripou (873/874 AD). The uppermost part of the central apse is entirely faced with well-arranged ashlars divided by a reused cornice. Attached to the NW corner is a monumental cistern. Re-examination of the disposition of Cl−Rom architectural blocks in secondary use as orthostats in locations around the lower acropolis confirmed the outlines of several rectangular buildings which might be either Byz or associated with the diagnostically Fr chambered tower and spolia-built chapel.
A record has been made of the traditional productive installations of the overlying village (Ot Kakosi; renamed Thisbe in the 20thCt). These comprise 8 wine fermentation vats (ληνοι), 15 cobbled threshing floors (including 12 clustered around the lower acropolis) and monumental cisterns.
A survey of Thisbe’s dam or barrage was completed. There are no traces of the Rom or Byz phases reported by some EMod travellers, who almost certainly misinterpreted overlying spolia-built agricultural terraces, of which traces remain. The interpretation of this dam will be aided by a parallel environmental survey of the enclosed Thisbe basin.
Anc. Thisve and Byz Kastorion had several loci of maritime traffic. Between 2 of these, and visually controlling them both, lies an unpublished Cl−Hel tower described by E19thCt travellers. This was located and surveyed on behalf of the Θ' ΕΠΚΑ.