1. Archaeological works

The objectives of this year's excavation works, which took place between 15.07.2024 and 09.08.2024, were the uncovering to the north and south of the continuation of the notch of discarded objects that was excavated during the previous year (2023) in the II -7 square (DCN 503), as well as the verification or not of the results of the geophysical surveys conducted in 2022, which show indications of human intervention in the area surrounding the II -7 square. To this end, the area in the ΘΘ -7 and ΚΚ -7 squares was defined, where it is hypothesized that the northern and southern ends, respectively, of the notch of the II-7 square may be located. For the excavation works, the proposed system of the American School of Classical Studies (ASCSA) in the Corinth Excavations (Corinth Excavations Archaeological Manual) was used, along with the Harris Matrix system. Deposit Context Numbers (DCN) were determined to identify the layers.

More specifically, on the southwestern slope of the hill, in the ΘΘ-7 square, the excavation works concentrated on its western half to investigate the continuation of the notch from the ΙΙ-7 square towards the north. The modern layer (DCN 01), approximately 0.15 m thick, consisted of dark brownish-gray, hard-textured soil, containing small to medium-sized stones, tree roots and branches, pebbles, roof tiles, and pottery dating from the Early Helladic to the Byzantine periods. After its removal, two new layers were revealed on the western side of the square: DCN 02 in the southwestern quarter of the square, extending northward, and DCN 03 in the northwestern corner, extending southward.

DCN 02, on the one hand, approximately 0.10m thick, constitutes an ancient layer and consists of fine sand and soft-textured soil of yellowish color and hue, within which roof tiles, pottery of the Archaic period, and a few metal objects were found. The close proximity of its south-western end to the notch of the II -7 square (DCN 503) and the similarity of the finds in this area to those of the DCN 503 layer- metal artefacts and Archaic pottery in both cases, suggests a direct correlation between DCN 02 and 503. In particular, the south-western end of the DCN 02 layer constitutes the continuation - the extreme limit of the DCN 503 layer of the II -7 square to the north.

DCN 03, on the other hand, represents the fill of a small cut in the natural bedrock/kimilia (CUT 09), of maximum length 1.45m, maximum width 1m and minimum depth 0.50m., which was excavated in the northwest corner of the square. It is of inverted triangle-conical shape, within which animal bones, pottery dated between the Early Helladic and Roman periods, and a significant quantity of irregularly arranged clay and metal objects were found, such as the lower end of a bronze statuette with a hole. These finds, in the form of votive offerings to the sanctuary, were probably discarded in the area after the celebration of the Hyakinthia festival, making this a notch of discarded objects, the second in the area after the one found in the II -7 square last year.

Underlying layer DCN 02, there was a cleft in the bedrock/kimilia, located on the western end of the square and in close proximity to the tree in the middle of the square, the investigation of which in depth revealed a carving in the kimilia in the form of a pit (CUT 08). This pit, rectangular in shape, 1X0.73m and with a minimum depth of 0.45m, has a flat floor, vertical walls and consists of two fills (DCN 05 and 07) of dark brown, hard and soft texture respectively, which contained several small-sized stones, pebbles, a few roof tiles and little pottery. The absence of notable finds does not allow for a firm interpretation of this cut. The initial hypothesis of the possible presence of a tomb in situ and its subsequent looting can no longer be supported as both fills were undisturbed.

The continuation of both afore-mentioned cuts (CUT 08 and CUT 09) was completely revealed in the adjacent to the west square, the Θ -8 one, which was excavated for this purpose. More specifically, the DCN 104 and 106 layers of same composition and texture constitute the continuation of the DCN 05 and 07 of CUT 08 fills of the Θ -7 square respectively, while DCN 103 is that of the DCN 03 of CUT 09 fill. Overlying the DCN 102 (the continuation of the yellowish DCN 02 layer in the present square) and 104 layers was the modern layer (DCN 101), brownish in colour and approximately 0.15m thick, which consisted of small to medium-sized stones, pebbles, tree roots and branches, roof tiles, pottery dated between the Early Helladic and Byzantine periods, a few metal objects, and two modern iron nails.

Subsequently, in order to investigate the continuation of the notch at the II –7 square southward, a new square, the KK –7 one, was defined immediately south of the II –7 square. It was decided to leave the area of the eastern half of the square unexcavated and to concentrate only on the western part, following the vertical orientation of the II –7 square notch. The modern layer (DCN 201), approximately 0.15m thick, consisted of dark brownish-coloured and hard-textured soil, containing small to medium-sized stones, pebbles, tree roots and branches, modern iron nails, roof tiles, pottery dated mainly to the Geometric and Archaic periods, several animal bones, and metal objects. During its removal, two transitional layers (DCN 202 and 203), approximately 0.03m thick, were revealed, representing the transition from the modern to the pebbly layer (DCN 205), on the one hand, which had already begun to uncover on the north-eastern side of the cut, and to the kimilia layer (DCN 204), on the other hand, respectively.

The newly excavated DCN 205 layer consisted of dark brownish soil of hard texture, which, as the works progressed in depth, became softer, with numerous small pebbles, small and medium-sized stones and tree roots and branches. A remarkable quantity of animal bones, metal and clay objects, pottery and roof tiles mainly dated to the Archaic period were recovered. Among these, a bronze pin, an iron cylindrical perforated object, an iron, 1.10 m long obelos and an iron spearhead stand out.

The finds were irregularly arranged on the ground, often surrounded by pebbles and small or large stones or roof tiles, within a notch in the natural rock/kimilia where the objects had been discarded. This cut, in the form of a natural notch in the kimilia, consisted of one fill (DCN 205), which was revealed in a total of 7 successive levels, each 0.10-0.13m thick, and was oblong in shape, 4.6m long, with a maximum width and depth of 1m and a north-south orientation. It is the continuation to the south of the notch of the II –7 square, with objects related to the function of the sanctuary during the Hyakinthia festival, as evidenced by the great number of lead votive miniature wreaths and human figures, animal bones, iron obeloi, spear and arrowheads, knives, and miniature vases. The majority are metal finds, along with a large quantity of ceramic finds and animal bones. The former include, among other things, a set of military weaponry which, in addition to iron obeloi, consists of a part of a bronze helmet, iron knives, iron spear and arrowheads and bronze fragments of a shield liner decorated with guilloches. With regard to pottery, it is mainly associated with drinking vessels, such as kylikes and skyphoi, and to a lesser extent, with cooking pots. The majority of them date back to the Archaic period (7th-6th century BCE), with the parallel individual appearance of sherds from the Early Helladic and Mycenaean periods. The pottery and, in this case, the intact miniature vases (aryballoi, lakainai and kraters) that were found can safely date the notch to the Archaic period (7th-6th century BCE), without, however, excluding the possibility of the presence of earlier dated finds - of the Geometric period, in particular (8th century BCE). This hypothesis is expected to be further researched on in due course during the future study of the material. In any case, according to the existing data, the 6th century BCE can be considered as the terminus ante quem of the contents of the notch.

For the more accurate recording and collection of information and data of the systematic excavation, the excavation squares and the site as a whole were documented, designed and mapped with the use of innovative technologies (use of drone, photogrammetry and orthophotography with topographic georeferencing points and the relevant software Pix4D and metashape). Additionally, the integrated documentation system, as well as the Geographic Information System (GIS) of the Amykles Research Project, were completed and enriched with the new data.

2. Archaeological survey

Between 22^nd of July and 23rd of August 2024, an archaeological and geophysical survey took place south of the Agia Kyriaki hill. The project was carried out as part of the five-year permit of the Amykles Research Project (ARP) directed by Stavros Vlizos, thanks to a collaboration between the Archaeological Society of Athens and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Laconia, with the partnership of the University of Münster (thanks to the project “Belonging in/to Lakonia. An archaeohistorical study on the Sanctuary of Apollo at Amyklai and its surroundings” directed by Hans Beck and Sophia Nomicos) and the French School at Athens. The project participants in the field were Adrien Delahaye (ARP/French School at Athens), Nicola Nenci (ARP/University of Münster), Giorgos Tsiaggouris (Ephorate of Antiquities of Laconia) Sophia Nomicos (University of Münster), Volkmar Schmidt (University of Münster) and 12 students. The aim was to gain an initial understanding of the area south of the ancient Sanctuary of the Amyklaion. This part of the Eurotas valley is commonly understood to be part of ancient Ἀμύκλαι.

Methodologically, the survey is based on the system of the Sikyon Survey Project, but adapted and modified by Nicola Nenci according to both the circumstances at Amykles and the use of QGIS and its mobile version QField. First, the entire area (approx. 0.6 km²) was divided into 136 units (“tracts”), which generally correspond to the agricultural field boundaries. Then, tracts were divided into 20x20 m squares allowing for accurate control over walkability and finds provenance. Last, a preliminary surface visibility estimation on a scale from 1 to 5 was carried out for each tract on the basis of remote sensing imagery (OrthoPhotography and Digital Surface Models). Once on the field, the visibility assessment was nuanced according to first hand autopsy of tracts surface conditions, and the results revealed that approximately half of the survey surface had poor visibility. Therefore, depending on the visibility of each tract, it was decided to walk parts of the area unsystematically to spot and record non-movable finds only (defined by the surveyors as “Special Features”), and other parts systematically by following the 20x20 m squares grid.

Squares with good visibility were walked systematically in groups of 3 – 4 people, who, in addition to recording Special Features, collected the total of the surface material. In agreement with the Ephorate of Laconia, in areas with very high density of movable finds, from the second week onwards, the diagnostic material continued to be collected in its entirety, while 50% of the non-diagnostic material (exclusively roof tile fragments) was left on the ground so to preserve the nature of the archaeological surface evidence. The material was taken daily to the storage of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Laconia, where it was washed, sorted, documented (photographs and drawings by Yannis Nakas) and packed. So conducted, the survey fieldwork yielded a significant amount of data in terms of both mass and research relevance. Due to their amount and complexity, the collected data can only be fully processed, analysed, and synthesised in the upcoming months, but at the present time they allow for some preliminary results that can be summarised and presented as follows.

A plateau southwest of the Amyklaion was identified as a potentially significant site with a good line of sight to the sanctuary. Bedrock cuts had previously been identified on the slope of this plateau, which in the modern academic literature are referred to as Mycenaean tombs (more below). During our survey, they were for the first time mapped precisely and documented in writing and photographs. On the plateau itself, we collected ancient roof tile fragments, including some with black glaze. Although no clear architectural structures could be identified on the surface, geophysics was able to detect potentially relevant anomalies here (see below).

What stood out this year was the area to the north and east of the Amykles football stadium, which is in the southwest of the survey area. An extraordinarily high number of roof tile fragments were found in the squares north of the stadium, and traces of walls and ancient sherds of various periods were visible in the road cut. While the find density east of the stadium was comparably high, the adjacent fields to the west were almost devoid of finds. The most surprising find of this campaign was a former olive grove (Tract 88), of which trees had been removed before being ploughed deeply. In addition to destroyed mud-brick walls and fragments of mortar, remains of ancient graves and numerous individual finds were found there, ranging chronologically from the Middle Helladic period to Late Antiquity. The finds and features in this tract are not being processed as part of the survey project but will be further analysed by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Laconia, after rescue excavations. However, the area around the field was investigated by the survey project using pedestrian survey and geophysical methods. Geophysics results confirm that the dense layer of features extends at least towards east and south of Tract 88, as anomalies were detected there that allow an interpretation as walls and possibly a road (see below).

Far fewer features from the historical period were found in the eastern part of the Survey area. Instead, many of the above-mentioned structures, that are usually referred to in the modern literature as Mycenaean tombs, were documented in this area. These so-called spilakia look like small openings in the slopes of the local conglomerate rock. Half a dozen of these structures was excavated a few years ago and could be securely identified as Mycenaean chamber tombs, while others are only roughly documented. As part of our survey, we were able to document topographically, photographically, and in writing not only those known to date, but also numerous newly encountered comparable features structures. The discovery of a large fragment of a probably Mycenaean/Late Bronze Age thin-walled pithos at one of these cuts, located in the South-East portion of the survey area, supports the assumption that these features might not all be natural but could indeed be anthropogenic and might in fact correspond to Mycenaean burials. This would lead to the conclusion that the Late Bronze Age burial topography of the area between Amykles and Vapheio was much denser than previously thought.

Finally, the scattered individual finds from the survey area provide initial indications of the chronology and use of the area. Although the majority of the find material consisted of roof tile fragments, ranging from the Archaic period to the Late Antiquity, it was also possible to identify a number of diagnostic individual objects that extend chronologically over a period from the Middle Helladic period to Late Antiquity. Fragments of mill stones of the Olynthian type, slag-like fragments, and kiln separators attest to production site(s). The discovery of large flat stones identified as burial slabs and fragmented relief pithoi may point to burial activity. The roof tiles and remains of walls suggest buildings either of domestic or workshop character, since no obvious evidence of cult activity was found. This hypothesis is supported by the discovery of loom weights, storage pithoi, cooking pottery and tesserae. Two fragments of stamped tiles may furthermore indicate the existence of public buildings within the survey area.

3. Geophysical surveys

Geophysical measurements have been undertaken in the survey area by the Institute of Geophysics, University of Münster, from 2^nd to 13^th August 2024. The measurements aimed at imaging and characterizing the shallow subsurface to detect archaeological structures. We applied the following geophysical methods: magnetic surveying, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic induction (EMI), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and magnetic susceptibility (MS) measurements. The measurements concentrated on the southwestern part of the survey area. The position of the instruments during the measurements was tracked by an RTK-enabled GPS system, which allows for an accuracy in the range of a few centimeters.

For GPR measurements, we used a dual-frequency antenna (300/800 MHz) and a SIR-4000 console by GSSI Inc. First, sample measurements were made by random walk to get an overview of the penetration depth of the method in the different parts of the survey area. These profiles have in total a length of about 3700 m. Later, three smaller areas (between 140 sqm and 2000 sqm in size), which were of special interest, have been covered with densely spaced parallel profiles. This allows for a 3D analysis of the data and the generation of horizontal depth slices. Penetration depth varied between a few centimeters and about one meter.

The EMI method measures the electrical conductivity of the subsurface in a very efficient manner. We used the instrument CMD Mini Explorer and covered about 3 ha with this method at a profile spacing of 1 m. The arrangement of the profiles and the coverage of the area was partially restricted by vegetation with olive trees. The electrical conductivity in the area varies considerable between 5 mS/m and 50 mS/m. Although the values are mainly governed by the geological conditions, small-scale variations could also be due to human interventions, e.g. due to foundations or ditches.

The magnetic measurement was made with a total-field magnetometer with two sensors (G864 by Geometrics). The sensors were arranged on top of each other with a distance of 70 cm. The vertical gradient of the magnetic field was calculated by subtraction of the values from the upper and the lower sensor. We covered an area of about 1 ha with a sample spacing of 10 cm along profile and 50 cm between profiles. The progress of the measurement was again affected by the olive trees, but data with high quality could be acquired. The most striking result was obtained in the southern part of the survey area (Tracts 88 and 136). Here, numerous linear and dipolar structures have been detected, which are probably due to the ancient pathways and building remains mentioned in the previous section above. A linear magnetic anomaly in the north of tract 136 aligns with remains of a mudbrick wall, which have been found on the ploughed field (Tract 88) next to it. This shows that magnetic measurements are suited to delineate these kinds of structures. The existence of a wall-like structure at this location was confirmed by GPR measurements, which showed a reflection at a depth of about 50 cm. This structure is also visible in the EMI data and was confirmed by an ERT measurement.

These results show that magnetic measurements are especially suited for the prospection of the area, while other geophysical methods, such as GPR, can add more information, e.g. the depth of the structures. The data will be further processed to improve the final image and later will be interpreted together with the results from the archaeological survey.

4. Material study

The study of the ceramic material was carried out in Sparta and Amykles - in the conservation laboratory of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Laconia and in the warehouse of Rigos respectively, between 01.07.2024 and 23.08.2024, for a total of eight weeks, by a team led by Adrien Delahaye (French School at Athens), in collaboration with Despoina Nika (archaeologist - Amykles Research Project), Vicky Katsichti,  Kalliopi Kanellopoulou and Konstantina Skourli (conservators), Yannis Nakas (illustrator) and Irini Miari (photographer, French School at Athens), assisted by the students, Jordan Metton and Pierre Gourmel (Université de Rouen). It was funded by the French School at Athens, the Amykles Research Project and MAT (Mediterranean Archaeological Trust), with the data being incorporated into the Amykles Research Project’s online database.

 

Bronze Age pottery

The recording and documentation of the Bronze Age pottery material from the 2009, 2010 and 2012 excavations campaigns continued in the NE sector of the hill and east of the church of Agia Kyriaki. In this area, during these years, a large quantity of pottery dating to the Early Bronze Age was identified and recovered. 219 selected artefacts were recorded, photographed and analysed using a portable clay microscope (DinoLite digital microscope), while some of them were conserved and drawn (Record numbers of the above artefacts: AM/KX281 to AM/KX498, AM/KΓ2660 and AM/P97).

The material studied consists mainly of sherds of the EH II period belonging to cooking pots and vessels of everyday use, such as phialai (very often with reddish-brown coating), lekanides (very often with relief decoration), pyxides, spoons, arytaines etc. Of the above material, a part of a ‘frying-pan' shaped vessel of the Cycladic type, a part of ‘frying-pan' shaped vessel of the Helladic type, and a part of a bovine figurine probably belonging to the EH period stand out. The majority of the EH cooking pots and vessels of everyday life at the Amyklaion confirm the hypothesis of the existence of a settlement on the eastern side of the hill of Agia Kyriaki in the early EH period. It is noteworthy that among the ceramic material of the 2009 excavation campaign, three large-sized sherds (AM/KX313, 314 and 321) were identified, which belong to storage pots (probably pithoi) and which, according to parallel from other sites in Laconia, date back to the Final Neolithic period. With the identification and chronological identification of the above-mentioned finds, we can assume that the human presence on the hill of Agia Kyriaki dates back earlier than the Palaeolithic period, i.e. to the end of the Neolithic period.

Archaic and Classical periods pottery

After the integration into the database in 2022 and 2023 of the ceramic finds from the 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016 and 2015 excavation campaigns, this year's study (2024) allowed for the completion of the integration and documentation of the rich excavation contexts from the 2018 excavations in the southern part of Agia Kyriaki. In addition to the pottery, the Archaic antefixes, as well as some of the inscribed and stamped roof tiles were integrated, photographed and drawn, and the photographic recording of the typology of the miniature vessels was completed.

Following the end of this year's study, 343 sherds and vases (MNI) were included, as well as 24 clay objects and antefixes, bringing the total number included in the database to 1,794 objects. 181 new objects were designed, bringing the total to 452 (for the excavations at the Amyklaion only, excluding objects from the archaeological survey), and 198 objects were analysed using a Dinolite microscope.

The 2024 study of the Archaic and Classical pottery material allowed for the finalisation of the count and typology of the miniature vases from the Amyklaion. The total now stands at 7,149 (MNI), of which about 94% are miniature aryballoi. These results will be published in two articles in 2025. Excluding the miniature vases, the results of the 2018 study (from the southern terrace fill) revealed an over-representation of drinking pots as a whole, including kylikes in general, Droop/Doric-type kylikes, Laconian cups, lakainai and kantharoi, Laconian aryballoi, some of which with relief decoration, as well as cooking pots, such as a mortar. Almost the entire assemblage consists of Laconian vases, with a few imports from Corinth and Attica. The identified clay macrofabrics of Laconian pottery will be cross-checked with the results of the archaeometric analysis samples taken last year. Finally, works have begun on the study of the disc-shaped antefixes fragments, allowing for the partial restoration of a group of three fragments. The completion of the 2018 pottery documentation will enable the completion of the study of the southern terrace material by next year.

Study of the DCN 209 skeleton

At the same time, in the last week of the excavation works (5-9.08.2024), the archaeologist- osteoarchaeologist, Daphne Maria Tzegozi, undertook the task of investigating and analysing the DCN 209 skeleton, which was found along with two pots in the form of grave goods in the ΘΘ7 square during the works of the last excavation campaign (2023). Using the four-stage classification method (present; over 95%), incomplete; 50-95%), fragment; up to 50% and absent) to assess the completeness of the skeleton, the skeleton was identified as 30% complete, with almost all major elements missing, and, overall, there was a severe degree of fragmentation. To assess the surface preservation of the skeleton, the majority of the bones were given a grade of 1 (light and patchy surface corrosion) (Grate 1), following a grading system from 0 (no surface alteration) to 5+ (heavy corrosion and surface modification).

Based on the morphological features of the humeral head, the epicondylar breadth of the humerus and the femoral bicondylar width- measured 70 and 80 mm respectively, the individual was identified as male, as the minimum measurements for males were calculated to be >60 mm and 76 mm respectively.

For age estimation, two different methods were used, dental wear and sternal edge of ribs, which indicated that the individual was probably in the 3rd or 4th decade of their life before death; specifically at age 24+.

Finally, according to a macroscopic analysis of the skeleton, the bone surface appears normal, with no possible pathologies or injuries to them except for the detection of abnormal alteration of the teeth (caries) and the unusual deep red colour of the tooth roots. The latter is difficult to identify in the literature if it is a skeletal disease. It is, however, safe to assume that it is not the result of burial conditions, as the red colour would not be detected uniformly in all skeletal tooth roots or would be found in other bones.

5. Archaeometric analyses

Dr. Anno Hein, a member of the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology of the National Centre for Physical Sciences Research (NCSR) "Demokritos", visited the warehouse of Ephorate of Laconia in Amykles, and received samples of ceramic pyrotechnic objects from the Amyklaion to transfer them to the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology of the National Centre for Physical Sciences (NCSR) "Demokritos". This is the first stage of the archaeometric study under the title "Pyrotechnical ceramics from Amykles: chemical fingerprint and technical properties", a collaboration between the Amykles Research Project and the Archaeological Institute of the Humboldt University of Berlin (headed by Mr M. Kiderlen). The archaeometric analyses are under the responsibility of Dr. Anno Hein (National Research Centre for Natural Sciences "Demokritos").

6. Public Archaeology

In collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Laconia, during this year's excavation campaign, educational programmes and community and ethnographic archaeology practices were carried out both inside and outside the archaeological site. These took the form of activities to acquaint the local community with the science of archaeology, art, the excavation process, the archaeological site and its relationship with the natural environment, as well as public surveys to understand how the site is perceived by the villagers and their desire or not to participate in the decision-making process. Their aim was, on the one hand, to familiarize the participants with all aspects of the ancient sanctuary and to provide a first contact with the work of the archaeologists and, on the other hand, to bridge the gap created in previous years between the local community of the village of Amyklai and the archaeological site.

Educational programmes (18.07 - 06.08.2024)

1. Title: "Junior archaeologists in action"

Subject: Children had the opportunity to become acquainted with the finds, the conservation and restoration work on an archaeological site as well as with the "lost" parts of the monuments.

Aim: The educational programme aims to help children understand the nature of the archaeologist's work, the context of the excavation procedure and to be trained in the care of the finds, in this case the ceramic sherds, and the site. Therefore, through their good and multifaceted acquaintance with the Amyklaion and their participation in the activities of the research project, the aim is to familiarize with and raise awareness of the archaeological site of their region, aiming at their active and future participation in the actions for the care, protection, and promotion of the site.

2. Title: "My first visit..."

Subject: Children and adults had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the archaeological site and share their experiences and memories from their first visit to an archaeological site or museum. During the activity, they learned about the parts of the pots and, using clay, they created replicas of them.

Aim: By encouraging children and older participants to recall and share descriptively their experience of cultural sites, positive and negative emotions associated with this experience were identified. In this way, the main objective of the action is achieved, i.e. for the participants to understand in retrospect what triggered the respective feelings and to reinforce the positive ones in connection with future visits to archaeological sites and museums.

Community and ethnographic archaeology practices (18.07 - 06.08.2024)

1. Systematic archaeological ethnography by collecting oral evidence through interviews, where the central research questions were:

(i) Understanding how the archaeological site and finds are perceived by the local community, including the strong Roma community living in the area; (ii) Exploring the relationship between researchers/archaeologists and the local communities following the gap created by the pandemic. iii) The critique of the research process itself, turning the ethnographic gaze to the activities of the archaeologists themselves; and iv) The direct involvement of local people in the decision-making process for the management of the archaeological site.

2. Organization of four different types of public outreach events to the villagers with the expectation of establishing relationships between residents and researchers:

The first event took place on Sunday 21.07.2024 in the courtyard of the Amykles village community building, aiming at the acquaintance between residents and members of the research team through art. It was a poetic evening on the night of the July full moon, where the afore-mentioned groups of people shared their favourite poems and discussed both poetry and the excavation period that had just begun.

The second event was held on Thursday 01.08.2024 and was a guided tour of the village by the residents themselves. Members of the research team and residents of Sparta were the audience of the Amykliotes, who willingly shared narratives and stories about the village, its churches and historical buildings, as they have experienced or heard them from their older neighbors.

The third event took place on Monday 12.08.2024 in the courtyard of the church of the Virgin Mary in Amykles, where the ethnographic and archaeological documentary by Philip Koutsaftis, ‘Arcadia Hail’, was screened.

The last event took place on Friday 16.08.2024, the last day of this year's excavation campaign, and involved the visit - guided tour of a group of villagers to the archaeological site of the Amyklaion. The Director of the Research Project informed the residents about the work that was completed, the new areas where excavation trenches were opened, and the planning for next year's excavation campaign.