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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Earlwood’s Greek spirit centre stage as ‘Plateia’ Festival secures state funding

The City of Canterbury Bankstown will host the “Love Earlwood” festival thanks to the NSW Government’s Open Streets 2025-28 Program.

Greek Consul General honoured at Hellenic Club farewell event in Sydney

Sydney’s Greek community came together on Thursday for a dignified farewell dinner in honour of Greece’s Consul General, Ioannis Mallikourtis

Field of candidates announced for 2025 Greek Community of Melbourne Board election

Greek Community of Melbourne has officially called elections for a new Board of Directors, with members set to head to the polls on June 29.

Australia Cup 2025: Strong Greek heritage club presence as Final 32 locked in

The cast for the Hahn Australia Cup 2025 Round of 32 has been decided following the completion of the Preliminary Rounds.

Apostolakis and Trimis named on Young Matildas squad for upcoming training camp

CommBank Young Matildas Head Coach Alex Epakis has settled on a 32-player squad for a domestic training camp to be held in Sydney.

You May Also Like

Mitsotakis urges for faster vaccine delivery as private health care sector placed on alert

The Health Ministry revealed yesterday that it is taking inventory of all available beds in the private health sector as the number of hospitalised patients constantly rises.

10 essential foods for a Greek Grazing Table

A Greek party is not complete without a grazing table filled with everyones favourite Greek Savoury's and Sweets!

Once upon a Paramythi: Reviewing Anna Dimitriou’s new title on Greek Australian literature

Most of these mythical tales were narrated through the voice of a grandparent or parent, passing on secret wisdoms and dreamlike lessons.