Archaeologists discover 2,600-year-old temple of Poseidon in Greece

A team of Greek and Austrian archaeologists has uncovered the ruins of a massive temple that may have once been a sanctuary to Poseidon, the ancient god of the sea in a remarkable archaeological discovery atop a hill near Samikon, Greece.

The ancient complex, which once brought mythology to life, continues to reveal its secrets. In 2021, a joint team of Greek and Austrian archaeologists discovered the remains of a large temple near Samikon, identifying it as the long-lost sanctuary of Poseidon. After years of excavation, the team has now completed the full dig of the site, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

 The 2,600-year-old temple, measuring approximately 90 feet by 30 feet, features an unusual two-room design, with each room containing several central pillars and a hallway-like vestibule. Archaeologists have noted that the layout is distinct and lacks any direct comparisons in other known structures. Poseidon, the god of the sea, was a central figure in Greek mythology, with his trident serving as both his weapon and primary symbol, according to Britannica.

The temple, which dates back to the sixth century B.C., was dismantled around the third century B.C. and was likely abandoned shortly thereafter, according to Birgitta Eder, co-leader of the excavation. The existence of the Poseidon sanctuary was mentioned in the ancient Greek text Geographica, and from the 19th century onward, it inspired generations of archaeologists to search for it — though their efforts were unsuccessful until now. 

The joint Austrian-Greek excavation team uncovered several significant artifacts at the 2,600-year-old site. Among the findings inside the temple was a fragment of a marble wash basin, measuring more than 3 feet in diameter, the institute reported. Known as a perirrhanterion, this basin was used for ritual purification. A photograph reveals where the basin was broken in ancient times and later repaired with metal clamps. Archaeologists are hopeful that they will be able to fully reconstruct the basin.

By Naila Huseynova