Megara - 2009

Megara, Korai Street, O.T. 70a, property of Frigana. Panagiota Avgerinou (Γ ΕΠΚΑ) reports on the discovery of various antiquities at this plot.

In the SE sector three graves were excavated.

Grave 1: amphora burial of two adults, oriented NE, with dimensions 1.18 x 0.92m. Two clay coils and piece of an iron rod. Late Archaic to Early Classical period.

Grave 2: sarcophagus, oriented EW, with dimensions 1.84 x 0.59 x 0.60m. Two skeletons. Faience scarab and part of an iron nail. Late Archaic to Early Classical period.

Grave 3: sarcophagus, oriented SE, with dimensions 1.01 x 0.40m. Skeleton was in supine extended position. Miniature skyphos, pointed-toe amphoriskos and small painted phiale, all Corinthian. Late Archaic to Early Classical period.

In the NW sector of the plot, several walls were excavated, parts of the foundation walls of the city. Finds from the excavation of the walls included pottery of the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, some of which were coarse vessels (amphoras, lekanes), others were black-figure sherds. There was also pieces of plaster, fragments of bronze, Laconian type ceramics, animal bones, slag pieces, and loomweights.

A kiln was found in the centre of the plot, measuring 5.50 x 2.10m. It is of a type usually used for the baking of tiles.

A series of four underground drainage channels was also identified, with two associated circular tanks. All appeared to be similar and of the same phase, around the 2nd century BC. Small finds were also similar, including unpainted vessels, mainly amphoras, lamps, black-painted hydrias, black-painted skyphos sherds and pinakes, iron pieces, fragments of Hellenistic perfume containers, small jugs, black-painted phiales and pinakes, sherds with rosette patterns, and unpainted sherds of skyphoi, or multi-coloured paint. Three modern sherds were also found, which were most likely a modern intrusion. A bronze coin was found, with Athena on the front, dating between the 4th century and 70 BC. Iron, stone, and architectural pieces were also found.