One of the most notable objects in the field of underwater archaeology is the location and excavation of Eliki, the ancient Achaean town. Located east of Aegeion, it sunk along with its inhabitants into the Corinthian gulf after the terrible earthquake of 373 l 372 BC. The discovery of a town along with its edifices, temples and sculpture will be an extremely significant event since the destruction occured during the classical period. Thus its finding would contribute a great deal to our knowledge of classical architecture, town-planning, art etc. Many efforts have been made to locate the ancient town, however its exact position has not yet been determined and the opinions of scientists differ as to whether or not Eliki presently lies on the sea bottom or on the shore. Finds from ancient Eliki are limited to two copper coins housed in the Staatliche Museum, Berlin. On the obverse Poseidon’s head is represented and a trident decorates the reverse. On the basis of these decorative themes Marinatos dated the coins as belonging to the fifth century BC.
Eliki
30 Jul 2012
by Archaeology Newsroom
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