Sikyon Project

The 2006 season

Architectural survey of Vasiliko

Map of Vasiliko.

Our research covered the majority of the buildings of Vasiliko, which we divided into five sectors (I to V) starting with the old part of the village (I) and moving in a counterclockwise direction towards sector V. The different sectors were defined by the streets of the village. Our target was to locate, record and photograph all the pre-modern material built in or included in houses, churches, storerooms, and the other buildings of the village. We investigated approximately 300 properties and found, either incorporated or scattered about, literally hundreds of spolia, usually ashlar blocks and parts of columns of various sizes and periods.

It became clear that the ancient theater and the city-wall were the most obvious and readily available sources of stone for the residents of Vasiliko. In two cases (I.12 and IV.49) the bulk and consistency of the ancient material indicate the existence in the same spot or in proximity of two ancient buildings, most likely temples. The study and perhaps collection of some of these spolia that we have recorded will throw light on the archaeology of the urban area and supplement the evidence provided by rescue excavations and surface survey.

Ashlar block carved as a basin in property I.10.