Archaeological Research in Ithaca:
Early Excavations and the Loss of Treasures
William Gell is considered a pioneer in Ithaca’s archaeological study, starting his scientific work in 1806. However, he didn’t conduct systematic excavations. Unfortunately, other early “archaeologists” weren’t as responsible. Figures like Leake, de Bosset, Lee, and Guitera conducted illegal excavations and plundered antiquities. These activities resulted in the loss of priceless artifacts from Ithaca, now scattered across museums and private collections in Europe.
Systematic Excavations and Valuable Discoveries
After Ithaca’s union with Greece in 1864, official excavations began. Heinrich Schliemann was the first to organize them systematically (1868 and 1878). These efforts, along with those of other archaeologists until the early 20th century, unearthed a variety of fascinating objects, some now housed in Ithaca’s museums and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Key Sites and Findings
- Pilikata Hill (1930s): Excavations under W.A. Heurtley revealed evidence of habitation as early as the Neolithic period. A surrounding wall, building foundations, Mycenaean graves, and various objects indicated continuous settlement and the area’s significance.
- Loizos Cave (Polis): Heurtley’s assistant, Benton, excavated this cave, proving it was a place of worship from 2500 B.C. to the 1st century A.D. Finds included depictions of gods, nymphs, and even a clay mask with the name “Ulysses,” further linking the island to Homer’s epic.
- Aetos Area (1930s): Heurtley’s excavations here uncovered building ruins, ancient temples, everyday items, and Corinthian votive offerings dating from the 9th to 7th centuries B.C. Additionally, nine different types of coins from the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. referenced Ithaca, Ulysses, and various deities.
Limited Activity and Remaining Potential
Following the 1930s, excavations became less frequent, with no major discoveries. Nevertheless, research suggests over 6,000 years of continuous civilization on Ithaca. The main settlement shifted from the northern peninsula around Pilikata to the Aetos area (ancient Alalcomenae). Roman-era and earlier ruins have also been found in Vathy and southern Ithaca. The island’s archaeological potential remains largely untapped, with many treasures and secrets waiting to be unearthed.
Sources
- Ithaca Then and Now- Spyros Dendrinos Publications, Spyros H. Dendrinos – Alekos F. Kallinikos
- HOMER AND ODYSSEUS, Spyros Dendrinos Publications
- Photos by: Friends of Homer, ithacanews, Chrisostomos Tsindilas, Tilemahos Markantonis