Interdisciplinary archaeological research continued in 2023 at the sanctuary of the Geometric and Archaic Ages at Nikoleika in Aegialia, further documenting the different chronological phases of the cult center of the ancient city of Elikis, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 372/3 BC. As the relevant announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs, the research is being carried out within the framework of a five-year research program of the Directorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, under the direction of Dr. Erofilis Kolia, head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia and Dr. Anastasia Gadolou, general director of the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.

North of the arched temple already excavated in previous research periods (710-700 BC) and the oldest altar made of rough bricks inside it (760-750 BC), the remains of two more buildings were investigated, while the investigation continued layers with remains of religious activities, from the 9th-7th c. e.g..

Specifically, during the recent investigation, which was carried out from May 2 to June 23, 2023, two buildings were identified north of the apse temple.

The oldest building, which dates back to the 8th century. BC, it is also apse and has a N-S orientation (different, that is, from the apse temple of the end of the 8th century BC which has an E-W orientation) and its length is calculated at least 18-20 m. Its eastern wall and the genesis of the arch to the S were revealed, as well as parts of floors made of rammed earth, belonging to three successive phases of its use.

According to the announcement of the YPPO, at a higher level by 0.80/1.00 m., the stone foundation of a temple-shaped building of the 7th/6th century was found. BC, as well as stone four-sided bases, probably belonging to its central colonnade, and part of its floor made of rammed earth. During its excavation came to light pottery, mainly from the archaic era, clay figurines, as well as a bronze head of a snake.

Finally, it is worth mentioning the discovery of a clay wing of a mythical figure, a Sphinx or a Mermaid, another architectural relief of the 6th century. BC, which was found on the last day of the excavation in a block east of the above buildings and which belongs to the pediment decoration of the church of the first half of the 6th century. e.g.

Also, in the excavated blocks east of the buildings, a large amount of pottery dating to the 8th and 9th centuries was unearthed. BC, certifying the religious use of the space as early as 850 BC.

The votive offerings to the deity to which this sacred place was dedicated include clay and bronze figurines, of which the bronze figurine of an animal, possibly a dog, clay chariot wheels, bronze buckles and pins (fasteners for clothing), and iron weapons stand out. , while the discovery of a golden vote (part of a necklace), a rare find in the sanctuaries of Aegialia, was of interest.

Among the building remains, it was certified, both on the basis of observations in the field (macroscopically) and through laboratory analyzes (collection of samples from the archaeological layers, after appropriate processing and microscopic study by the geoarchaeologist of the scientific group, Dr. M. Gouma), a number of flood of episodes, a frequent phenomenon in the area even in recent times (1940-1950), as the researchers and the residents of the village informed.

The fact that although the area was threatened by frequent natural disasters in ancient times, it was not abandoned by the inhabitants, who continued to repair the buildings or build new ones, reflects and certifies their desire but also their anxiety to preserve the place which is considered that it was the cult center of Eliki – as the same announcement points out.

According to the findings of this year’s excavation research, in addition to the main worshiped deity – which archaeologists believe was Poseidon, as it is related to horses and horse racing – there are also indications of the worship of a second deity, in the identity of which the research will conclude, after its documentation through the study of the vows.

The religious practices included animal sacrifices, mainly sheep and goats, but also pigs according to the conclusions of the archaeozoologist Dr. G. Kazantzis, a scientific collaborator of the excavation, who studied the excavation material.

The study of ancient plant remains that came to light during the floating of the excavated soil is carried out by the professor of archaeobotany E. Margaritis and the post-doctoral researcher Dr. K. Tsirtsis at the Institute of Cyprus and certified for another year the large amount of grape fruits that reflects the importance of wine for worship practices in the sanctuary.