Kerameikos - 2022

Jutta Stroszeck (DAI) reports on the 2022 season of research at Kerameikos.

Works was conducted on an area between Proteichisma, the Sacred Road, and the South Hill, which was previously excavated by Stefanos Koumanoudis in 1880 but had since played no significant role in research. The documentation of the visible remains was carried out as part of investigations into city fortifications, sanctuaries, workshops, and hydraulic structures in Kerameikos. A notable find was the bronze identification token (πινάκιον) of the Lokrion from the Demos Alopeke, known from inscriptions. The "Wandering Altar" in front of the Sacred Gate underwent an interesting discovery regarding its original location and subsequent relocation to a different base. Currently standing under a protective roof in front of the Sacred Gate, it was originally discovered in the late 19th century at the corner of the Proteichisma Tower. Since 2002, it has been known that its original location was on a two-tiered limestone base in a small temenos on the Sacred Road, where it has been returned. In 2022, it was clarified that during the time the original base was built over by the tower, the altar was relocated to a three-tiered base immediately west of the tower on the Graver Street. The dimensions and the widening of the steps towards the street, allowing sitting at the roadside as during its original placement, support this conclusion. The altar must have held significant importance due to its continuous reutilization. Finally, investigations into the catchment basins for water storage discovered the endpoint of water conduit "ax", originating from the city area and running along the Sacred Gate out of the city. It directed the water into a basin located in front of the Proteichisma Tower along the roadside of the Sacred Road, which must have been built contemporaneously with or earlier than the tower. The overall area seemed to be dominated by facilities for water storage, likely used in the nearby sanctuaries and workshops.