A Looted Cave Sanctuary High Above Stymphalia, Arkadia

On Monday 25 October the Institute will host its first in-person event in over 18 months. This will also be the first event to be hosted at the Institute’s new premises, in its recently-completed auditorium at Orminou 3A, close to the Hilton Hotel.

Starting at 19.00, Dr. Gerald P. Schaus (Professor Emeritus, Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University) will give a lecture entitled, “Sadly, a Looted Cave Sanctuary High Above Stymphalia, Arkadia”.

“A remote rock shelter formed by drainage from a small bowl-like valley high on Mt. Oligyrtos in northeastern Arkadia attracted worshippers for a period of about 200 years (ca. 575 – 375 BCE). The site has been pillaged by looters seeking valuable antiquities over the past thirty years. Some material salvaged from surface debris left by the looters provides clues about the cult and its worshippers. Pottery, figurines and jewelry form the bulk of the debris. The identity of the cult, its history and ritual practices, its place in local inter-polis relations and its protection from ancient thievery are subjects of consideration.”

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, attendance is limited. Places will be reserved on a first-come first-served basis at info@cig-icg.gr. All attendees must present a certificate of vaccination.

We look forward to welcoming you to our new premises for what promises to be a most interesting presentation.

Jonathan Tomlinson
Assistant Director