As part of the Project “Renovation-Conversion of Vasilissis Olga Avenue in Athens”, salvage excavations are being carried out which have brought to light a complex probably dating back to the 2nd BC. century with a peristyle courtyard and many rooms, the floors of which are covered with mosaic decoration and movable findings such as inscriptions, sculptures, and a tomb of Apollo.

Specifically, to the north of Olympia, in the area where parts of a building from the imperial times had been investigated by Stefanos Koumanoudis (1888-9), the southern part of the same building has now been revealed. The excavation of the walls was revealed immediately below the paving of the sidewalks and asphalt, while the walls of all the spaces extend into areas where it is not possible to continue the investigation. Although only a part of it has been revealed, it is clear that it is a complex with a peristyle courtyard and several rooms, some of which have floors covered in mosaic decoration with geometric patterns. The movable finds confirm the dating of the building to the 2nd century AD, a period during which the emperor Hadrian ensured the expansion of the city towards the East.

In the light complex of the 2nd BC. with mosaic floors and sculptures

The edifice experienced a second construction phase, during the 4th century AD. The movable findings include at least 21 inscriptions and sculptures (Athena, Aphrodite, Dionysos Panos, Satyros and dancers), as well as a mid-1st c. A.D. dedicated to Apollo.

During the same investigation, parts of a building were identified in the area, south of the Zappeion Megaros, which are probably connected to the large Roman bath that had also been partially investigated in 1873-4 and which, according to Ioannis Travlos, may be what he has described Lucian, in the work of Hippias (4.4).