Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient structure dating back to the 6th century BCE during excavations at Klaydis-Samikos in southwestern Greece. The site, which has been under investigation since 2022, revealed two large rooms, remnants of a ritual pool, and a copper tablet inscribed with mysterious markings.
The excavation, a collaborative effort between the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia and the Austrian Archaeological Institute, aims to shed light on the historical significance of the area. Led by Dr. Birgitta Eder and Dr. Erophilis-Iridis Kolias, the project is set to continue until 2026.
This season's findings include a temple-like structure measuring 28 meters long and 9.5 meters wide, believed to have been modified around 300 BCE. Inside, archaeologists found two spacious rooms, each featuring two central columns, alongside additional columns on the building's front.
Significantly, fragments of an archaic marble basin, likely used for purification rituals, were uncovered. These fragments, combined with pieces found in 2022, may allow for partial reconstruction of the basin, originally about one meter in diameter. A copper tablet, previously affixed to the temple wall, bears remnants of an inscription that researchers plan to decipher using advanced visualization techniques.
Additionally, a wall marking the northern boundary of the temple complex was discovered. The scientific team intends to further investigate the site's layout and topography in the coming years.
In a separate development, a recent study has nearly doubled the known number of Nazca geoglyphs in Peru. Utilizing AI technology, archaeologists identified 303 new glyphs, bringing the total to approximately 733. This breakthrough stems from a collaboration led by Masato Sakai of Yamagata University.
The geoglyphs, which date from 400 BCE to 800 CE, depict various animals, plants, and human figures. The AI model, developed by IBM Research, analyzed high-resolution images to pinpoint potential sites, resulting in the confirmation of 303 new glyphs after evaluating over 47,000 locations.
While the purpose of these geoglyphs remains enigmatic, emerging theories suggest they may have marked pilgrimage routes. The integration of AI in archaeology is proving to be a vital tool, enhancing the efficiency of site discovery in this culturally rich region.