Research in Five Areas and Which Ones Are Prioritized for 2026

Roman Baths, Isios, House of Eukterios, Sanctuary of Poseidon, and Sanctuary of Artemis Limnatis

The Ministry of Culture has approved a new five-year excavation program for Ancient Messene, spanning from 2026 to 2030, granting the relevant permit to the Archaeological Society of Athens. The work will be carried out under the direction of Dr. Nikolaos Kaltsas, Ministry of Culture archaeologist Eugenia Lambropoulou, and Dr. Nikolaos Tsivikis.

The main objectives of the new program are to complete the documentation of the antiquities that have already been uncovered, their systematic publication, addressing outstanding research questions, and the protection and conservation of the monuments.

The research will focus on five key areas: the Complex of the Roman Baths and the Ision, south of the theater; the Christian Prayer House and the Theater Houses; the residential and ecclesiastical complex east of the Asclepieion, the Sanctuary of Poseidon northeast of the Asclepieion and the Sanctuary of Artemis Limnatis, on the southern slope of Ithomi.

Plans for 2026
For this year’s research season, excavation work and architectural surveys are planned at Therma and the Ision, geophysical surveys and material analysis at the House of Euktarios, as well as geophysical surveys and excavations at the complex east of the Asclepieion.

At the Sanctuary of Artemis Limnatis, surveys will be conducted, architectural elements will be arranged, and excavations will take place around the perimeter of the temple.

Particular emphasis is also placed, however, on the state of preservation of the monuments that have already been uncovered. For the Thermi-Iseio complex, a technical report is being requested to address standing water and improve drainage, while the implementation study for its restoration is scheduled to be completed as a matter of priority. At the same time, measures must be taken for urgent stabilization work on vulnerable and structurally hazardous sections.

Maintenance and Protection
The ministry also calls for the cataloging, maintenance, and cataloging of the scattered architectural elements of the Ision, while protective interventions are also planned for other monuments in Ancient Messene.

Specifically, consideration will be given to improving the visual scale of the Ecclesiasterion, the structural integrity of the restored Saithid tomb, as well as the removal of problematic metal supports and concrete fillings from tomb K2.

The program for each research season may not exceed eight weeks, and all work will be carried out under the supervision of the Messinia Ephorate of Antiquities. Upon completion of each season, a detailed report, photographic and drawing documentation, and a catalog of the finds will be submitted to the relevant departments of the Ministry of Culture.

This new five-year research project essentially marks the continuation of systematic archaeological activity at Ancient Messene, with the focus now shifting not only to new excavational discoveries, but also on the scientific documentation, conservation, and protection of one of the most important archaeological sites in Messenia—and indeed in the entire country.

Roman Baths
It should be noted that a few months ago, the Minister of Culture approved the preliminary architectural design for the restoration and enhancement, as well as the preliminary conservation plan for the archaeological remains of the Roman Baths at the archaeological site of Ancient Messene.

As part of the monument’s enhancement, plans call for the integration of the Roman Baths into the broader visitor network of the archaeological site of Ancient Messene. At the same time, a specialized study on the conservation and protection of the mosaic floors and other decorative elements will be conducted by a qualified and certified conservator of antiquities.

The uncovering of the Roman Baths complex—the final excavation project of the late Professor Petros Themelis— was made possible with the financial support of the Ioannis F. Kostopoulos Foundation. It is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Greece, featuring elaborate mosaic floors, hot and cold bath reservoirs, rare examples of marble decoration, and walls over four meters high.

By Vicky Vetoulaki

https://www.tharrosnews.gr/2026/09/neo-pentaetes-anaskafiko-programma-stin-archaia-messini-enekrine-to-ypourgeio-politismou/