A series of fundamental questions concerning the organisation of ancient Sicyon and its relationship with its neighbours are slowly being answered by recent archaeological research conducted by the University of Thessaly, under the direction of Professor John Lolos, in collaboration with the Institute of Mediterranean studies, the University of York and the Greek Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities (EPKA).
According to Professor Lolos, ancient Sicyon features among the major cities of the ancient world thanks to its rich historical and artistic tradition. The city's territory occupied most of present-day Western Corinthia, bounded by Corinth and Kleones to the east, Fliounta and Stymfalo to the south, and Achaia to the west.
By the late 7th to late 6th centuries BC. under the rule of the powerful Orthagorides clan, Sicyon experienced strong military, political and cultural growth, which reached a peak in the first half of the 6th century under Cleisthenes.
The first excavations at Sicyon began in the late 19th century by the American School of Classical Studies and were confined primarily to the ancient theatre. From the 1920s through to the 1950s excavations were conducted by the Greek Archaeological Society which focused on the agora of the ancient city.
The present excavations have been focused on bringing to light a large residential quarter with intersecting streets which covers a surface area of approximately 4,000 square metres. A sanctuary surrounded by colonnaded porticoes has also been located nearby.
The ultimate goal of the project is to integrate the residential quarter and sanctuary with the main archaeological area (which includes the ancient agora and theatre) so as to unify site.
"It is clear", says Professor Lolos, "that the size of such a project requires many years and a collective effort that can only be realized in stages depending on staff and available funding."
"Until now the financing of the program has been minimal and has covered only the cost of board and accommodation of the archaeologists and volunteers." he adds. "Carrying out an excavation of this scale, however, presupposes salaried labour and recruitment of qualified staff which translates to a cost of around EUR 50,000 per year."
Source: AMNA [August 11, 2011]
According to Professor Lolos, ancient Sicyon features among the major cities of the ancient world thanks to its rich historical and artistic tradition. The city's territory occupied most of present-day Western Corinthia, bounded by Corinth and Kleones to the east, Fliounta and Stymfalo to the south, and Achaia to the west.
By the late 7th to late 6th centuries BC. under the rule of the powerful Orthagorides clan, Sicyon experienced strong military, political and cultural growth, which reached a peak in the first half of the 6th century under Cleisthenes.
The first excavations at Sicyon began in the late 19th century by the American School of Classical Studies and were confined primarily to the ancient theatre. From the 1920s through to the 1950s excavations were conducted by the Greek Archaeological Society which focused on the agora of the ancient city.
The present excavations have been focused on bringing to light a large residential quarter with intersecting streets which covers a surface area of approximately 4,000 square metres. A sanctuary surrounded by colonnaded porticoes has also been located nearby.
The ultimate goal of the project is to integrate the residential quarter and sanctuary with the main archaeological area (which includes the ancient agora and theatre) so as to unify site.
"It is clear", says Professor Lolos, "that the size of such a project requires many years and a collective effort that can only be realized in stages depending on staff and available funding."
"Until now the financing of the program has been minimal and has covered only the cost of board and accommodation of the archaeologists and volunteers." he adds. "Carrying out an excavation of this scale, however, presupposes salaried labour and recruitment of qualified staff which translates to a cost of around EUR 50,000 per year."
Source: AMNA [August 11, 2011]