Kleidi Samiko - 2024

Kleidi Samikou. Erofili Kollia (Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia) and Birgitta Eder (Österreichisches Archäologisches Institut) report on the excavations in Zone A (yelow area, Fig. 1) at Kleidi Samikou, carried out from 19 August to 27 September 2024, as part of a synergasia between the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia Samikou and ÖAI (2022-2026). The main aim of this season was to reveal the rest of the building in its north-west half part (Fig. 2). Excavation also revealed a second major space (Northwest Hall, 8.5 × 7.44m) 605 with two axial internal supports constructed from limestone, possibly reflecting temple architecture from the sixth century BC. Roof tile deposits were also identified, indicating that the building was abandoned around 300 BC. Significant finds include a large marble krater showing ancient repairs, and a bronze inscribed plaque (40.5 × 27.5cm) that documented the dedication of the sanctuary to Poseidon of Samikon (Fig. 3). The roof tile fragments provide evidence of a Laconian-style tiled gable roof.