Over the past two and a half decades, archaeologists have excavated the acropolis, city, and necropolis of ancient Eleutherna under the direction of famous archaeologist Nicholas Stampolidis. Occupation dates from the Early Bronze Age (ca. 3000 B.C.) to the Middle Ages (12th-13th century A.D.).

Although the cemetery is filled with skeletons, the tranquil site is teeming with life, including an orchestra of chirping cicadas and a troupe of yellow butterflies dancing in the ever-present gentle breeze.

Additional information about the site, featuring video interviews with Stampolidis and important team members, will soon be available online.

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Stampolidis ascends a wall to photograph the season’s most exciting discovery—a “built chamber tomb” that contained two female skeletons (one individual 65+ years old, the other between 16 and 17). The tomb type, featuring two-meter-high walls, was in use from the 17th century B.C. to the end of the Geometric period. Most of the grave offerings from this one date to end of 8th century B.C. The burial contained gold jewelry (see an example in Photo 8), ceramic vessels, and rare bronze lamps. Additionally, the earthen floor was covered with smooth sheets of gold.

This entry was posted by Eti Bonn-Muller on Saturday, July 25, 2009. Discussion of this blog entry is now closed.

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