Prof. Alexandros Mazarakis-Ainian excavated in 2002 an archaic temple on the island of Kythnos, Cyclades that had been destroyed by an earthquake. He was surprised when he discovered that the content of the Adyton or the secret room of the temple (not found in every temple) had not been despoiled. That is, it contained the treasure of the temple consisting of about 1500 pieces of silver and gold jewelry, vases, and figurines dating between from the 7th to the early 5th c. BC.

New Olympic Findings

Archaeological excavations conducted in the southwest part of Kato Kifisia for the opening of a highway that will connect the Athens-Salonica highway with the Olympic village brought to light a cemetery with important findings. First of all, a 5th c. BC red painted krater (vase) depicting an athlete and two personifications of Neke (victory). The Nekae bring to the winner ribbons. Excavations in the same region conducted by archaeologist Mrs M. Platonos-Giota have revealed foundations of buildings and objects that are dated from the Protohelladic period (2800-2600 BC) to the late Roman times (AD 5th). The archeologist claims that the findings are very important as they so how dense was the population in the are a Acharnai in ancient times. Other important remains include a geometric grave (8th c. BC), a shrine of the classical times, a couple of buildings that were most probably used for religious purposes, a 4th c. farmer's house as well as a couple of roman constructions. Also, in one of the late Roman buildings Mrs Platonos-Giota found a marble stone inscribed with a land mortgage text.

The museum of the Ancient Olympics will open by the end of the year 2003 in Olympia and just in time for the Athens 2004 modern Olympic games. It will contain 365 objects from Olympia and from 28 other Greek museums. The exhibition will be divided into thematic sections: Prehistory of Athletics, Beginning of the Games in Olympia, Organization of the Games, Preparation for the Games, The Schedule of the Games, Women's Games, Athletes, Winners, Offerings, Spectators, Philip-Alexander-Nero, Panhellenic Games. The items will be exhibited in the old building of the Olympia museum that has been fully renovated for that purpose.

The Central Archaeological Board of Greece has decided to approve the building of a modern column in one of the corners of the Athena temple on the island of Kea so that the spectator will have a better understanding of the third dimension of the building. However, the column can be removed at any time, if so decided in the future. What is important about this temple is that first the instruments of the technicians have left their marks on the building and second one can see even today the ancient coating on some of the column drums.