Excavations in Despotikon, Cyclades
On the uninhabited islet of Despotikon, near Antiparos in the Cyclades, which has been identified with ancient Prepesinthus, a sanctuary dedicated to Apollo flourished during the Archaic period. Since 1997 systematic excavations under the direction of Yannos Kourayos (21st Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities) have revealed the cult peribolos of the sanctuary, which enclosed the temple, the hestiatorion, the altar, the bath and ten more buildings. During this year’s dig, buildings B, H, Γ and the main area of the cult peribolos were excavated. Building Δ (6th century BC) was thoroughly investigated and proved to have had cult use. Under its foundation an earlier apsidal structure dated to the 8th century BC was discovered, indicating the area of the earlier cult. Among the notable finds are part of the left leg of a kouros statue, parts of the hands of two kouroi, the wing of a marble sphinx, Geometric vases and inscribed pottery sherds.
Grants given:
2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
