Archaeologists Discover Temple-like Foundations at Kleidi Samikou Greece

Photo source: Culture Ministry

Archaeologists have discovered the foundations of a large, temple-like construction in the Kaiafas area of the Peloponnese, Southwestern Greece, according to an announcement by the Greek Culture Ministry on Wednesday.

Following excavation work which started this year at the site of Kleidi Samikou, archaeologists said the findings could be the remnants of a Sanctuary of Poseidon. Experts place the construction in the Archaic period due to the presence of Laconian-type tiles and the style of the marble entablature.

Photo source: Culture Ministry

A layer of tiles was found inside the building which measures 9.40 meter x 0.80 meters. According to geophysics analysis, the complete building may have been 28 meters long with two rooms.

The findings, which also include a marble basin, were presented by archaeologists Erofili Kollia of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia and Birgitta Eder from the Austrian Academy of Sciences.

Photo source: Culture Ministry

The first phase of excavations ended in September and followed geophysics work on the site. According to the archaeologists, Kleidi, located at the foot of the ancient acropolis of Samiko has been suggested as being the Sanctuary of Poseidon.

Excavations, to run through to 2026, are being funded by the Gerda Henkel Foundation and the Austrian Archaeological Institute.