Excavations at Ancient Messene will resume in September; they had been suspended for the past three years following the death of the late Professor Petros Themelis.
This was stated to “E” by Evi Lambropoulou, president of the Society for Messinian Archaeological Studies, adding that the Central Archaeological Council recently approved the continuation of the excavations as part of a new five-year program. At the same time, the primary goal remains the restoration and promotion of the monuments of Ancient Messene.
The excavation work will be led by archaeologists Nikos Kaltsas, Nikos Tsivikis, and Evi Lambropoulou. As Ms. Lambropoulou noted, the work will begin at the Roman Baths (photo), essentially continuing the excavation work of Petros Themelis.
The goal of the five-year program approved by the Central Archaeological Council is to advance and complete the excavation work, so that the monuments and artifacts still hidden by Ancient Messene can be brought to light. Petros Themelis’s colleagues from Messene, who have participated in his work for years, will also be working on the excavations.
At the same time, with the support of sponsors, efforts will be made to complete the necessary studies and to continue the restoration and presentation of the findings.
The president of the Society for Messinian Archaeological Studies also recalled the memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and the Society, emphasizing the excellent cooperation with Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni and the Ministry’s Secretary General, Olympia Vikatos.
Finally, Ms. Lambropoulou pointed out that thanks to these donations, the maintenance and cleanliness of the archaeological site are ensured, ensuring that Ancient Messene is preserved in a condition befitting one of the country’s most important archaeological sites.
T.L.
