Description

In 2001, the Danish Institute at Athens commenced a large scale archaeological field project in ancient Kalydon in Aitolia in Central Greece. Kalydon plays a considerable role in ancient mythology as described in Homer's Iliad. For that reason, the important Sanctuary of Artemis Laphria outside the city walls and a so-called Heroon/palaestra, were excavated by a team of Danish and Greek archaeologists during the years 1926 to 1935. The new investigations are thus a continuation of an earlier Danish/Greek cooperation, this time with focus on the town itself. The town within the walls comprised an area of approximately 35 ha (350,000 m2). The investigations gave a good picture of the town in antiquity and of the function of the various quarters. The most important building in the Lower Town was probably the peristyle building with its colonnade and courtyard where athletic games took place. Excavations concentrated on this building, and a tile kiln situated in the so-called Lower Town. Larger sections of the remains on the Acropolis were excavated and a small-scale survey of the Central Town gave indications of the use of the habitation quarters.