Lechaion Harbor and Settlement (Greece)
May 26 - July 18, 2025
other
Explore Ancient Corinth
Lechaion was the first and primary harbor of ancient Corinth in use since the Mycenean Period up until c. 500 CE when the harbor facilities were abandoned. This is curious because at the very time when the harbor facilities were being abandoned, the large Leonidis basilica was built. The harbor was one of the major nodes of trade from the late 8th century BCE until the sack of Corinth by the Roman general Mummius in 146 BCE. After the city was refounded by Julius Caesar in 44 BCE, Lechaion again became a major node of trade.
The first excavation cycle began in 2016, continued through 2018, and was followed by a series of study seasons. A renewed permit was issued by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sport and excavations resumed in 2023. The 2025 season will be the last excavation season under the current permit. In addition to a geophysical survey and mapping to document the extent of the site, two of the primary research questions have been when was the harbor abandoned and why. The date of abandonment is consistent across the site at c. 500 CE, or at least in the four areas under excavation. A possible answer to why now appears to have been an earthquake that leveled the settlement. The focus of the 2025 season will be to refine the date of abandonment and to better document the earthquake.
Details
Geographic Location
Corinthia, Greece
Dates of the Dig
May 26 - July 18, 2025
Minimum Stay
60 Days
Application Due
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Academic Credit/Cost per Credit/Institution
3 credits are available from California State University, Long Beach at a cost of $1040.
Accommodations
The volunteers are housed in a large complex in the village of Ancient Corinth. The rooms are all air conditioned, have private bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. Most have kitchens and those that do not have access to common kitchens. Everyone has access to free washing machines, some in the rooms and others in the common areas. Breakfast is included with the rooms. Room and board for the 8-week season is included in the fees as is transportation to and from the site, travel to nearby archaeological sites on the weekend, drinking water on site, etc.
Cost
Directors
Dr. Georgios Spyropoulos: Corinthian Ephorate of Antiquities
Dr. Paul Scotton: California State University, Long Beach
Contact
Dr. Paul Scotton
562-985-2559
To learn how you can get involved, visit their website and check them out on Facebook
