Piraeus metro dig uncovers ancient Hellenistic artifacts and aqueduct

·

Greek archaeologists have unearthed an ancient aqueduct and thousands of artifacts dating from Hellenistic and Roman times during the excavations for the expansion of the Athens metro line to Pireaus.

More than 4,000 artifacts have been preserved with 1,400 utensils and 1,300 rare wooden objects which come from houses, household items, furniture and tools.

More than 4,000 artifacts have been preserved. Photo: AMNA.

Some of the artifacts will frame the permanent exhibition that will be set up in the metro station called “Municipal Theater” in Piraeus, which is currently under construction.

The exhibition will include, in addition to ancient objects, representations of ancient tanks and wells, a model copy of the aqueduct, as well as an authentic pebble floor from the Hellenistic era that was found during the excavations.

Some of the artifacts will be part of a permanent exhibition at the metro station. Photo: AMNA.

“There is a large volume of ancient material, precisely because the excavation was the largest ever conducted in Piraeus,” archaeologist George Peppas told Athens-Macedonia News Agency (AMNA).

“The uncovering of the aqueduct is very important,” Peppas added. “By excavating 55 meters of its central tunnel at the ‘Municipal Theater’ station, we were able to make a timeline… from its construction to its abandonment. We believe that the water came from Athens through the Long Walls and specifically from the hill of Ardittos.”

The artifacts have been temporarily moved to a Piraeus workshop, called Xylapothiki. Photo: AMNA.

The artifacts have been temporarily moved to a Piraeus workshop, called Xylapothiki, where archaeologists work to identify and classify them. Visitors can visit Xylapothiki and get an insight into the fascinating work being done there.

“It is a unique example in Greece of an exhibition that works in parallel with an open maintenance workshop. The visitor can watch the work from the lofts every day during the hours we work,” Peppas told AMNA.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greece said ‘no’ to Italians in WWII, but answered to a Roman name

On OXI Day, The Greek Herald reflects on how one word - “No” - continues to shape identity, language and belonging.

How Vietnam veteran Steve Kyritsis made it his work to honour forgotten WWII soldiers

For Vietnam veteran Steve Kyritsis OAM, what began as a request from the Greek Consulate 14 years ago has become a lifelong mission.

Young Greek Australians reflect on OXI Day and their cultural identity

OXI Day remains a symbol of hope and national pride in Greek history, especially for the younger generations.

St Demetrios Greek Orthodox church at St Marys hosts first-ever Paniyiri

People flocked to St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at St Marys on Sunday to celebrate the feast day of the parish’s patron saint.

Kezilas family donates historic baptism record to Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane has received the first recorded Baptism Certificate issued in Australia, dating back to 1924.

You May Also Like

Barack Obama talks democracy with Stavros Niarchos Foundation President

Former US president Barack Obama spoke at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Nostos Conference 2023 in southern Athens on Thursday.

Team Greece makes strong start on United Cup’s opening day

Team Greece made strong start on United Cup's opening day thanks to Stefanos Tsitsipas and Despina Papamichail.

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis seal comeback win at ATP Finals

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis have scored their first round-robin win at the season-ending ATP Finals at Turin.