Timetable for Work

Following a two year preliminary planning phase of cleaning and survey, 2004-2005, a five-year excavation program began in June, 2006.

1. Preliminary Planning Phase

(This phase will be organized and executed by the Thirty-Ninth Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Tripolis [previously the Fifth Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Sparta] in conjunction with the Syllogos of the nearby village of Ano Karyes, and with the assistance of Drs. Romano and Voyatzis.) The objectives of this phase of work are to physically clean the sanctuary of brush and overgrowth, to accurately map the existing above-ground monuments and structures of the sanctuary creating an actual-state drawing of the sanctuary, to carry out a geological survey of the area, and to identify by means of geophysical survey the locations of unexcavated buildings, structures and monuments.

Year 1 (2004)

  • Reconnaissance, survey, cleaning of archaeological site
  • Architectural Studies
  • Remote Sensing and GIS
  • Historical and Regional Survey
  • Reconnaissance geological studies

Year 2 (2005)

  • Reconnaissance, survey, cleaning of archaeological site
  • Architectural Studies
  • Remote Sensing and GIS
  • Historical and Regional Survey
  • Geological Survey
  • Geophysical Survey

2. Five-Year Excavation Program

(Synergasia proposal through the ASCSA.) Annual six-week project seasons proposed (approximately June 7th-July 19th).

Year 3 (2006)

  • Excavation (trenches) at Hippodrome and Stadium
  • Excavation (trenches) in Xenon
  • Architectural Studies
  • Geological Survey

Year 4 (2007)

  • Excavation (trenches) at Ash Altar and temenos
  • Excavation (trenches) in Stoa and area of the steps
  • Geological Studies
  • Architectural Studies

Year 5 (2008)

  • Excavation (trenches) of Ash Altar
  • Excavation (trenches) in Lower Sanctuary, Xenon, Stoa, Steps
  • Geological Studies
  • Architectural Studies

Year 6 (2009)

  • Excavation (trenches) of Ash Altar
  • Excavation (trenches) in Lower Sanctuary, Xenon, Stoa, Steps, Bath
  • Excavation (trenches) in Stadium, Hippodrome
  • Geological Studies
  • Architectural Studies

Year 7 (2010)

  • Excavation (trenches) of Ash Altar
  • Excavation (trenches) in Lower Sanctuary, Xenon, Stoa, Steps, Bath
  • Excavation (trenches) in Stadium, Hippodrome
  • Geological Studies
  • Architectural Studies

3. Study Phase

Year 8 (2011)

  • Study Season

Year 9 (2012)

  • Study Season