Researchers find hidden Poseidon temple larger than assumed

·

New excavations have unearthed further evidence that a previously discovered temple was a cult building within the famous sanctuary of Poseidon.

The Austrian Academy of Sciences suggest that it was an important religious center in the region.

According to the Jerusalem Post, new discoveries have indicated that the temple discovered in 2022 was larger than previously assumed.

Archaeologists from the Austrian Archaeological Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Elis of the Greek Ministry of Culture uncovered a building in 2022 that was likely located within the famous sanctuary of Poseidon. It could possibly be identified as a temple of the god of the sea and earthshaker. 

More parts of the temple were discovered after excavations in the fall of 2023 by archaeologists of the OeAI and the Greek Ministry of Culture in Kleidi-Samikon in the Western Peloponnese.

Photo: Dr. Birgitta Eder / Athens Branch of the Austrian Archaeological Institute

Latest excavations showed that the building is larger than it was originally believed. What was initially thought to be a vestibule, was actually a second room. The building is about 28 meters long and over 9 meters wide. It consists of two interior rooms, a vestibule and a rear hall or shrine.

There are no other buildings like this one, as of late while the function of the two rooms is still to be discovered. It was possibly a double temple where two different gods were prayed to, or it is two rooms, one behind the other.

According to the research the temple was built in two phases. The director of the Ephoria of Elis detailed that “in the second half of the fourth or first half of the third century BC, the Archaic temple from the sixth century BC was renovated.” 

The team aims to find more about the dimensions and the purpose of the work while there are rumors about what is hidden beneath the earth in the location.

Source: The Jerousalem Post

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Musk’s DOGE scraps $25,000 grant for LGBTQ refugees in Greece

The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has halted a $25,000 award intended to support LGBTQ refugees in Greece.

Third Greek island placed under state of emergency amid seismic activity

Anafi island was placed under a state of emergency on Thursday, February 13 due to recent seismic activity in the region.

Antipodes Festival uncovered: Hot tips and memories

Leonidas Vlahakis, a beloved figure in Melbourne’s Greek community, has an undeniable passion for celebrating Greek culture.

Andriana Petrakis named SA Woman of the Year finalist

41 remarkable South Australian women have been named finalists for The Advertiser Sunday Mail SkyCity Woman of the Year awards.

George Velentzas transforms Prospect Rd in Adelaide with major developments

A wave of new businesses is set to transform Prospect Rd, with 10 retail stores opening in the coming months across two major developments.

You May Also Like

Chris Lucas launches Grill Americano in Melbourne’s CBD

Chris Lucas is making waves in the Melbourne food scene again with the launch of his new Italian inspired restaurant, Grill Americano.

Lemnos Gallipoli Photo Exhibition finds permanent home at Lemnian Community of Victoria

A collection of high-resolution images from 1915 taken by soldiers and nurses during their time in Lemnos, have found a permanent home.

Athens art museum becomes more inclusive for visitors with autism

National Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens has teamed up with The Happy Act to make its institution more friendly to visitors with autism.