KIRRHA - 2008

Kirrha. J. Zurbach (EfA) and D. Skorda (Ι' ΕΠΚΑ) report.
Following an exploratory season in 2007, research focused first on a complete topographical survey, integrating remains previously excavated, and, secondly, on geomorphological and pedological survey of the entire plain. It is clear that from the LBA to LAntiquity, the shoreline lay 50−100m further out from the present coast, which means that the PH site cannot have been coastal: it is therefore argued that the so-called Cl and Hel dockyards (neoria) have probably been misidentified. The courses of the 2 rivers have also changed greatly in recent times and their courses nowadays are almost entirely artificial.
In the course of geophysical survey, several locations on the tell were surveyed (the presence of olive trees making complete coverage impossible). What is probably a fossilized water course was traced W of the tell, which explains the abrupt line of the W hillslope which had been eroded by the flow of water, as well as the presence of a substantial terrace wall revealed during a rescue excavation conducted by the Ephoria. The Cl circuit wall was located at several points, and the presence of corner towers is now certain. Part of the Cl stoa, excavated in 1937 and 1938, was also securely located N of the mound. This identification, along with that of the cemetery, provides a second fixed point from which to reconstruct the plan of the PH excavations of 1937−1938. Finally, in the E sector, the survey plan sometimes presents features open to detailed interpretation, leaving open the possibility of an apse or parallel walls. PH levels are present in 2 areas S and N of the potter’s kiln. The survey has shown that the PH site corresponds closely to the tell, and it therefore seems that the settlement did not move substantially during the PH period.