KYTHNOS Mandraki - 2008

Mandraki. A 2nd season of underwater excavation was conducted in the anc. harbour, directed by A. Mazarakis Ainian (Thessaly) and D. Kourkoumellis (EMA).
The torso of a life-sized Rom male statue wearing a corselet was discovered (Fig. 1). The torso is 1.2m h. and is preserved from the knees to the neck; the left arm only survives, holding a himation. In addition, a bearded male head was found (0.36m h.and 0.3m w.): it is as yet unclear whether it is part of the same statue as the torso. These pieces had been reused as building material within the W extension of the harbour wall (parallel to the coastline) which would, in antiquity, have been on dry land. They were found at a d. of 2.5m. In addition, 4 marble stelae (ca. 1m l.) have been located, and it is possible that the head relates to one of these. A stone crown-block from the bastion of the wall was lifted (this has a triangular profile 1.2m x 0.4m). From the anc. breakwater came Rom amphorae and other vessels, plus lead fishing weights and a tiny gold bead.