Archaeological Research in Kymisala

Approximately 70 kilometres south-west of the city of Rhodes, in a wild semi-mountainous  area with a rich forest of pine trees, lie the remains of a lesser known, up to now, ancient demos of Rhodes (picture 1) of the Demos of Kymisaleis, which fell under the administration of the formerly powerful Kamiros.

The demos of Kymisaleis is situated in an area which is today within the boundaries of the municipal division of Atavyros and its territory is shared between the coastal stretch of the demotic districts of Monolithos and Sianna. The preservation of the name Kymisala in the area constitutes strong evidence of its continuity from ancient times up to the present day and its locality is additionally affirmed by the grave stelae of distinguished men who were buried in the necropolis and their names were accompanied with their nationality “Kymisaleus”.

Since 2006 a systematic archaeological research is conducted in the area by the Department of Mediterranean Studies of the University of the Aegean and the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Dodecanese under the direction of Professor Manolis I. Stefanakis, and Dr. Vassiliki Patsiada, Archaeologist, aiming to the clearing of the preserved surface monuments, the  further detection of monuments and archaeological sites, the systematic excavation of the most important remains and, in the near future, the promotion of the area.

For the progress of the research, see here.

 

Archaeological Research in the Mycenaean settlement of Kastrouli, Desfina (Delphi, Phokis) (2016-2021)

The Archaeological excavation in the Mycenaean settlement of Kastrouli Desfina (Delphi, Phokis) is part of the work conducted in the Archaeometry Laboratory, the Laboratory of Environmental Archaeology and the Postgraduate Programme “Applied Archaeological Sciences”. It is a 5-year project of archaeological & archaeometric research conducted with the permission of the Central Archaeological Council of the Ministry of Culture (Ministry of Culture /GDAPK/DIPKA/TEAEI/131457/80201/5480/542/ 21.6.2016) at the University of the Aegean, Department of Mediterranean Studies (DMS). It started in 2016 and runs every summer. The research is conducted in collaboration with US Universities (University of California, San Diego, Brandies University, Massachusetts, Wesleyan University of Connecticut) and researchers from Greek universities. Modern methodologies and new technologies are applied (Cyberarchaeology, conservation, archaeogeophysics with georadar, electrical and magnetic), Photogrammetry, Drones / Helium balloon, digital imaging, spectroscopic analysis methods, luminosity dating of stone materials, ceramics, with radiocarbon of organic matter, paleoanthropology, isotopic & DNA analyses of bone finds (human, animal) etc. Thus, the whole process is conducted with the most modern digital approaches of documentation, recording, display, processing, composition, dissemination, publication. The project has an educational, research and social dimension. Scientific Project Manager & Director of Archaeometric Research: Prof. Ioannis Lyrintzis, Director of Archaeological Excavation: Prof. Athanasios Sideris (for the Department of Mediterranean Studies).

The project is continued by Prof. I. Lyrintzis with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Phokis (2021-).

For more information: www.kastrouli.org

 

For more information on the Archeaeological Research Projects of the Department, see here.