MY.SPE.AR
News & Media Interviews
Discoveries in the Field
The Castle of Lamia is strategically situated atop a hill, providing commanding views of the Spercheios Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. This vantage point underscores its historical role in regional control and defense.
During the 2019 excavation season, the team conducted test trenches on the Lamia Acropolis, where the castle is located. These trenches revealed multiple layers of occupation, including remains from the Turkish, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Notably, at the base of one trench, a wall believed to date back to the Mycenaean era was discovered. This finding suggests the presence of significant structures, possibly a palace, during the Bronze Age, indicating that the acropolis played a central role in regional administration and control during that time.
These discoveries are significant as they provide insights into the continuous occupation and strategic importance of the Lamia Acropolis across various historical periods. The potential identification of Mycenaean structures, such as a palace, could reshape our understanding of the political and economic landscape of central Greece during the Bronze Age. Further excavations and analyses are anticipated to shed more light on the extent and nature of Mycenaean presence in the area.
Dr. Maggidis’s work at the Castle of Lamia is pivotal in deepening our understanding of the Mycenaean civilization’s reach and influence in central Greece. The findings from these excavations are expected to contribute significantly to the broader narrative of ancient Greek history.
Exploring the Castle of Lamia: Insights from Dr. Christofilis Maggidis
In June 2017, Dr. Christofilis Maggidis, Associate Professor of Archaeology at Dickinson College, President of the Mycenaean Foundation, and Field Director of the Lower Town excavations at Mycenae, delivered a lecture titled “Political Geography of the Mycenaean World: Palatial Centers and Periphery – Recent Archaeological Discoveries and New Research Prospects” in Lamia, Greece.
In this lecture, Dr. Maggidis explored the intricate political landscape of the Mycenaean civilization, focusing on the relationship between central palatial centers and their peripheral regions. He discussed recent archaeological discoveries that have shed light on the administrative and economic networks of the Mycenaean world, highlighting the interconnectedness of various sites and the role of peripheral areas in supporting and sustaining the palatial centers.
Dr. Maggidis also presented new research prospects, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and advanced technologies in uncovering the complexities of Mycenaean political geography. He underscored the potential for future excavations and studies to provide deeper insights into the social, economic, and political dynamics of the Mycenaean civilization.
The lecture was well-received by the local community and scholars, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Mycenaean civilization’s legacy and its influence on the development of ancient Greek culture.
For those interested in viewing the lecture, a recording is available on the Star Channel.
Additionally, a report and photographs of the event can be found on the MAG24 website.
These resources offer valuable insights into Dr. Maggidis’s research and the ongoing efforts to understand the political geography of the Mycenaean world.
Discovering the Castle of Lamia: Insights from Dr. Christofilis Maggidis
In this video, Dr. Christofilis Maggidis, President of the Mycenaean Foundation, discusses the archaeological excavations at the Castle of Lamia, also known as Akrolamia, in central Greece. The site’s strategic location high above the Spercheios Valley played a crucial role in monitoring the region, suggesting its importance in the ancient political landscape.
Dr. Maggidis and his team have uncovered significant artifacts and structures, including walls believed to date back to the Mycenaean era, indicating that the area functioned as a hub for administration and trade. The project also engages international students, providing them with hands-on experience in archaeology.
As excavations continue, the team aims to reveal more about the daily lives and cultural practices of those who inhabited the Castle of Lamia. Dr. Maggidis invites viewers to appreciate the ongoing efforts to uncover the site’s history and its significance within the broader context of Mycenaean civilization.
Digging into the Past: Uncovering Mycenaean Treasures in Lamia
The video features an interview with Professor Christofilis Maggidis, an esteemed archaeologist and President of the Mycenaean Foundation, discussing the ongoing excavations at Akrolamia and the broader research project focused on the Spercheios River Valley. Conducted by MAG24 Lamia in 2018, the interview emphasizes the importance of these archaeological investigations in uncovering Mycenaean-era artifacts and structures, which offer valuable insights into the ancient civilization that thrived in the region.
The archaeological project aims to map out Mycenaean sites in the Spercheios Valley and explore evidence of a potential Mycenaean palatial center in the area. The research focuses particularly on Akrolamia, a fortified hill in the modern city of Lamia, believed to have played a crucial role in antiquity. The excavations have uncovered artifacts, architectural remains, and cultural evidence, suggesting the existence of a Mycenaean settlement or administrative hub. These discoveries help connect Lamia’s historical narrative to the broader Mycenaean world, which was one of the most influential civilizations in prehistoric Greece.
The project is supported by an international team of archaeologists and students from both Greek and foreign universities, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to the research. Advanced archaeological techniques, such as aerial surveys, geophysical analysis, and digital mapping, are being used to study the terrain and hidden structures without causing damage. Professor Maggidis highlights the significance of the excavations for both scientific research and local heritage preservation. These findings could enhance Lamia’s cultural importance, boost archaeological tourism, and provide educational opportunities for scholars and students interested in Mycenaean history. The project has also received strong support from local authorities, including the Municipality of Lamia, due to its potential benefits for the community in terms of historical awareness and tourism.
This research project, led by Professor Maggidis and his team, represents a significant step in understanding Mycenaean civilization in Central Greece. By uncovering evidence of an ancient settlement at Akrolamia, the study contributes to the broader exploration of Mycenaean expansion, trade, and administrative centers beyond their well-known strongholds in Mycenae, Tiryns, and Pylos. With continued excavations and scholarly analysis, the site could offer groundbreaking insights into the Mycenaean presence in the Spercheios Valley, reshaping our knowledge of prehistoric Greece.
Maggidis: Interview ENATV Lamia 2018
During the interview, Professor Maggidis explains the objectives of the excavation, which aim to map out Mycenaean settlements in the Spercheios Valley and potentially identify a palatial center on the hill of Akrolamia. He details the multidisciplinary approach taken by the research team, which includes archaeologists and students from Greek and international universities. The project utilizes modern archaeological techniques, such as aerial surveys, geophysical scanning, and digital mapping, to analyze the site with minimal disturbance.
Professor Maggidis also emphasizes the cultural and educational significance of the excavations. The discoveries not only enhance the historical understanding of Mycenaean expansion in central Greece but also contribute to Lamia’s cultural identity. The project has received strong support from local authorities and institutions, as it holds great potential for tourism, education, and heritage preservation.
The interview concludes with optimism about the future of the excavations, as the team continues to uncover important findings that could reshape our knowledge of prehistoric Greece and the Mycenaean civilization.
Uncovering Mycenaean Lamia: Professor Maggidis Discusses Key Excavations
The video titled “Maggidis: Star TV channel news report and interview Lamia 2018” features an interview with Professor Christofilis Maggidis, President of the Mycenaean Foundation, discussing the ongoing archaeological excavations at Akrolamia and the broader Spercheios River Valley survey. Conducted by Star TV in Lamia in 2018, the interview highlights the significance of these projects in uncovering Mycenaean-era artifacts and structures, providing valuable insights into the ancient civilization that once thrived in the region. Professor Maggidis emphasizes the collaborative efforts between local authorities and international scholars in preserving and studying Greece’s rich cultural heritage. He also discusses the methodologies employed by the archaeological team, including advanced techniques such as aerial surveys, geophysical analysis, and digital mapping, which allow for a comprehensive understanding of the site with minimal disturbance. The interview underscores the importance of these excavations in enhancing our knowledge of Mycenaean civilization and their potential to contribute to cultural tourism and education in the area.
Excavation at the Castle of Lamia
In July 2019, the second phase of a five-year archaeological research program was completed at Akrolamia, aiming to uncover a Mycenaean palace complex on the hill and establish Lamia as a cultural center in Greece. The project is a collaboration between the Ephorate of Antiquities of Phthiotis and Evrytania and four universities: Dickinson College, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Democritus University of Thrace, and the University of the Peloponnese. It is sponsored by the Mycenaean Foundation and co-funded by the Municipality of Lamia.
The research has a dual focus: conducting surface and geophysical surveys to identify new sites in the Spercheios Valley, enhancing understanding of the political geography and spatial distribution of settlements and cemeteries in relation to the paleoenvironment; and locating the palatial center on the hill of Akrolamia. Preliminary findings from archaeological and geophysical surveys, along with studies of previous excavation trenches, suggest that Akrolamia, a site of significant strategic importance, holds great potential for substantial discoveries. The team is proceeding cautiously and optimistically with their investigations.
The project’s significance lies in highlighting the cultural heritage of the region, which encapsulates 4,000 years of history. It aims to attract visitors and create job opportunities. Recent efforts have identified numerous Mycenaean-period settlements in the Spercheios Valley, complementing ongoing excavations on the hill of Akrolamia.
The initiative has received strong support from local authorities, including the Mayor of Lamia, who emphasized the importance of this endeavor in showcasing the area’s rich cultural heritage and its potential to attract visitors and generate employment opportunities.
The research team, led by Professor Christofilis Maggidis, President of the Mycenaean Foundation, is advancing steadily and decisively, with cautious optimism about the potential findings. The project’s success could significantly enhance Lamia’s cultural significance and contribute to a deeper understanding of the Mycenaean civilization in central Greece.
Unearthing the Mycenaean Past: Excavations at Lamia Castle Reveal Ancient Secrets
The article discusses an important archaeological project in Lamia, Greece, focusing on excavations at the city’s castle. This five-year project, approved by the Ministry of Culture, began in 2018 under the previous municipal administration with Professor of Archaeology and President of the Mycenaean Foundation, Mr. Christofilis Maggidis, and continues under the current administration. Recently, the Region of Central Greece and Regional Governor Fanis Spanos have also become involved.
The research aims to map Mycenaean sites in the Spercheios Valley and to identify a possible palatial center in the area, with current investigations focusing on the hill of Akrolamia. An international team of students from Greek and foreign universities is actively participating in these excavations, uncovering significant findings that highlight the historical importance of the region. The Municipality of Lamia supports this endeavor, recognizing its potential benefits for the local community.
Lamia Castle Digs Deep: Unlocking the Secrets of the Mycenaean Era
