Recently, archaeologists concluded their excavation season at Kladis-Samikos, a site located in the Peloponnese region of southwestern Greece, and uncovered the remains of an ancient temple. Scholars believe that the structure dates back to the 6th century BC, reports Heritage Daily.
This five-year project (2022-2026) is a collaborative effort between the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia and the Austrian Archaeological Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. The research, led by Dr. Birgitta Eder and Dr. Erophilis-Iridias Koliadis, aims to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the historical significance of this area.
During this season's excavations, researchers discovered the remains of a temple-like structure measuring 28 meters in length and 9.5 meters in width. Preliminary analysis suggests that the building dates to around the 6th century BC. Around 300 BC, parts of the structure appear to have been dismantled and repaired, with a new floor installed above the original ground level before the site was ultimately abandoned.
Inside the building, archaeologists found two large rooms, each featuring two central columns. Additional columns were uncovered on the front pediments of the structure.
In one of these rooms, the team excavated fragments of an archaic marble basin, believed to have been used for purification rituals. It is expected that these newly discovered fragments, combined with previous pieces found in 2022, will allow for a partial reconstruction of the basin, which had a diameter of approximately one meter.
Another significant find this season is a copper tablet that once hung on the temple wall. The tablet retains remnants of an inscription, which researchers plan to decipher and translate using advanced visualization techniques at the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia.
The excavation team also uncovered a wall marking the northern boundary of the temple complex. According to a statement from the Ministry of Culture, the scientific group intends to continue its research to gain further insights into the layout of the sanctuary and the topography of the area over the remaining years of the project.
Additionally, we reported on a newly discovered house in Pompeii adorned with lascivious frescoes. The inhabitants of Pompeii enjoyed showcasing their wealth, particularly by decorating their structures.