Epirus is the most thoroughly researched region in the country. Two English expeditions by Cambridge University have been organized (since the beginning of the 1960s until today). The first, under E. S. Higgs, brought to light and excavated the rock shelter of Asprochaliko, the Kastritsa cave and the open-air location of Kokkinopilos. The second, under G. Bailey, located and excavated the rock shelters of Klithi and Megalakkos. An American expedition under C. Runnels continued the research at Kokkinopilos and started a survey in the area of Nikopolis in collaboration with the IB’ Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities. Finally the Ephorate of Palaeoanthropology and Spelaology started a new excavation in the rock shelter of Boila a few years ago.
Tens of open-air sites have similarly been located which complete the picture of the Paleolithic habitation in the area, that goes back to the Middle and Late Paleolithic era, while probable clues that point to the Early Paleolithic era do exist. In 1994 ,the 1st “International Congress on the Paleolithic Period in Greece and the Neighboring Regions” was held in loannina, capital of Epirus.
