PATSOS - 2001

Patsos, sanctuary of Hermes Kranaios. V. Niniou-Kindeli (ΚΕ’ ΕΠΚΑ) reports on continuing excavation. Sacrificial pyres and dedications on the natural rock have created over much of the area a layer of soft black, fatty soil which is rich in dedications. In places the earlier deposits have been disturbed by sedimentary alluviation, but elsewhere this has preserved earlier deposits from disturbance by later rituals. The Minoan pyres are found in the upper part of the site, with the earliest finds being Middle Minoan hemispherical handless cups. Roman activity is also recorded in the upper area, where a marble statue of Pan was found, but most historical-period deposits are at the lower part. The Archaic phase was evidently the richest, with finds including pots, figurines, spear heads, and animal heads (principally from goats). In the Hellenistic period pyres spread all over the entire area, whereas in Roman times they were more isolated. Roman finds were mostly lamps.