The Palamas Archaeological Project 2024

Over the course of the 2024 season of the Palamas Archaeological Project, a number of archaeological sites in the vicinity of modern Palamas were excavated and surveyed. Excavations at the multiperiod urban settlement at Vlochos yielded evidence of the Hellenistic and Late Roman periods, including that of a probable stoa and of extensive metalworking industry. The fieldwalking survey on the nearby hill of Kourtikiano Vouno was concluded, followed by test trenches in the Early Byzantine fortified settlement on the hill-slope. A large late Medieval–Ottoman building complex was identified on a rocky ridge north of Metamorfosi. Several prehistoric sites (magoules) in the area were also rudimentarily surveyed, providing evidence for extensive habitation in the region in all periods of prehistory. Finally, geophysical prospection at the neighbouring site of Makrya Magoula at Pyrgos Kieriou yielded evidence for two monumental courtyard buildings.