Toumba Serron - 2024

Toumba, Serres. Dimitra Malamidou (Ephorate of Antiquities of Serres), Nicolas Zorzin (National Cheng Kung University-Taiwan) and James Taylor (York) report on the last excavation season conducted at the Neolithic village of Toumba Serron on the eastern side of the Strymon valley of Northern Greece; a collaborative research programme between the Ephorate of Antiquities of Serres and the British School at Athens. 

The third excavation season at Toumba Serron, conducted between July 4th and July 26th, 2024, built upon previous discoveries, further refining our understanding of the site’s architecture, chronology, and broader significance. A team of 29 researchers, students, and specialists from institutions across Europe focused on two primary excavation areas: Trench I6.21 at the settlement’s core and Sector I8 at its northern boundary (Fig. 1). The season also advanced digital recording methods and contributed to the TETRARCHs project, which explores the reuse and dissemination of archaeological data.

Excavations at Trench I6.21 sought to clarify the layout of Late Neolithic II domestic structures. (Fig. 2,3) The work uncovered a potential well-preserved oval kiln-like structure, showing signs of high-temperature use, and a waste deposit containing Late Neolithic pottery, flints, and animal bones. A particularly striking find was a carinated two-handled vessel with black-on-red decoration, confirming the site's Late Neolithic II chronology. The most significant discovery was a fully preserved oval house, measuring 4.3m x 2.95m, built using a mix of pisé and mudbrick techniques, an uncommon combination for this period. A possible courtyard or working area adjacent to the house was also identified, offering new insights into daily life at Toumba Serron.

At the northern boundary, excavation in Sector I8 focused on tracing the continuation of the enclosure wall and identifying potential burial activity. (Fig. 4) The team confirmed the eastern extension of the enclosure, validating previous geophysical survey results. A red brick structure with extensive burning was identified, likely serving as a support feature for the enclosure wall. (Fig. 5) A circular clay structure, similar to one found in 2023, may have played a role in the wall’s construction. However, no additional burial remains were uncovered, complicating previous interpretations of the area as a Neolithic cemetery.

All excavation records were digitized within the Archaeological Interactive Reports (AIR) system, developed by Lund University. The GIS and spatial analysis were supported by the University of York; while researchers from both teams continued to develop 3D volumetric recording methods to enhance digital documentation and data visualization. As part of the TETRARCHs project, the team experimented with alternative recording methods, including soundscape documentation, emotive photo tagging, and creative artifact labels. Despite logistical challenges, these initiatives aimed to expand how archaeological data is interpreted and shared. A stakeholder evaluation identified educational institutions, tourism groups, and community organizations as key partners for future engagement.
Material processing, led by the laboratory team, catalogued a large volume of pottery, chipped stones, animal bones, and shell artifacts. 

In short, the 2024 season confirmed the enclosure wall’s continuity, uncovered an intact Late Neolithic II house, and refined our understanding of the site’s chronology. While the search for additional burials remains inconclusive, future work in 2025 will further investigate the enclosure’s function, explore the western extension of the site, and examine additional kiln activity in the eastern periphery. The project will also continue advancing digital and sustainable archaeology initiatives, reinforcing its role as a model for contemporary fieldwork.