In 2024, Greece reaffirmed its status as a cornerstone of world archaeology. From early Neolithic communities in Thessaly to the Roman-era splendor of Athens, this year’s discoveries underscore the complexity and diversity of the nation’s ancient past.

Each find has deepened our understanding of ancient technologies, trade networks, and cultural traditions. From the rediscovery of a lost city in the Peloponnese to a mysterious Minoan structure in Crete and a second shipwreck at Antikythera, these excavations reveal the ingenuity and resilience of the societies that once flourished here.

The following list highlights the top five archaeological discoveries in Greece in 2024, each offering fresh perspectives on the history of this remarkable land.

The Neolithic “Botanical Garden” Settlement at Lake Plastiras, Thessaly

In September 2024, the Greek Ministry of Culture announced the discovery of a rare Neolithic settlement near Lake Plastiras in Thessaly. Nestled 800 meters above sea level, this site – dubbed the “Botanical Garden” – offers a remarkable window into life during the transition between the Early and Middle Neolithic periods (5999–5845 BC). It is one of the oldest known high-altitude settlements in the region.

Excavations, led by Dr. Kyparissi-Apostolika and Dr. Oresti Apostolika, uncovered evidence of a self-sufficient community adept at harnessing local resources. Key findings include ceramic kilns, grinding tools, and millstones carved into the bedrock, highlighting the central role of pottery and food production. The pottery, mostly monochrome and spherical, was crafted from local clay, while flint tools made from various stone types further illustrate the ingenuity of its inhabitants.

What sets this site apart is its deliberate high-altitude location, which may have provided strategic advantages such as fertile soils, a favorable climate, or natural defense. Among the most striking finds are several anthropomorphic figurines, including a rare example estimated to have originally stood 16.5 cm tall, offering insights into the symbolic and artistic expressions of the period.

This discovery enriches our understanding of early agricultural societies and their adaptation to challenging environments. It underscores Thessaly’s role as a cradle of early sedentary life in southeastern Europe, shedding light on the technological and cultural advancements of Neolithic Greece.

4,000-Year-Old Minoan Monument in Crete

In June, archaeologists working on Crete announced the discovery of a mysterious circular stone structure atop Papoura Hill near Kastelli, Irakleio. Unearthed during a rescue excavation for the new international airport, the site, dating to around 1900 BC, has archaeologists scratching their heads regarding its purpose.

The circular complex, 48 meters in diameter, features concentric stone-built rings, a stepped platform (“crepidoma”), and a central domed building surrounded by radial walls forming smaller rooms. This unique layout has baffled experts. “It is not a signal tower or a site for Zeus worship,” stated Vasso Sythiakaki, head of the Irakleio Ephorate of Antiquities. “Its purpose remains unclear, but it is undoubtedly Minoan.”

Findings include animal bones, drinking vessels, and eating implements, suggesting ritualistic gatherings or communal feasts. The structure’s timeline spans from the Protopalatial period (c. 1900 BC) to the Neopalatial period (1700–1450 BC), indicating its long-term significance.

The corbel construction, linked to Minoan architecture, hints at cultural connections with the Near East. “Such parallels wouldn’t be surprising,” Sythiakaki noted, referencing Minoan trade networks with Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean.

The site’s discovery necessitated relocating the airport radar tower, underscoring its importance. It is among 35 archaeological sites investigated during the airport project, with select finds to be displayed in a future museum at the airport.

Read more here.

Rediscovery of the Ancient City of Rhypes in the Peloponnese

Towards the end of the year, the Culture Ministry announced the rediscovery of the lost city of Rhypes, 8km southwest of the city of Aigio (ancient Aigion) in the northern Peloponnese. One of the original twelve Achaean cities and referenced by the ancient geographer Pausanias in the second century, Rhypes was founded by the Pelasgians, a name given to the pre-Greek inhabitants of the Aegean region prior to the arrival of Hellenic tribes. The city was later settled by Ionians before its destruction around 30 BC by the Romans.

Excavations in 2024 unearthed a monumental public building, dating to before 300 BC, featuring a 16.8-meter-long base supporting Corinthian semi-columns, likely of the Peloponnesian type akin to those at the Temple of Apollo in Bassae. The restored facade stands at an impressive three meters in height.

Beneath the rubble of the building’s facade, researchers found three marble lion statues in crouching poses and a funerary stele depicting a youthful male figure. Carved from Pentelic marble, these sculptures were set on separate bases, emphasizing the city’s artistic refinement.

Inside the structure, archaeologists uncovered intact cist tombs and a sarcophagus, revealing treasures of exceptional craftsmanship. Grave goods included exquisite gold jewelry – such as an earring of winged Eros, a necklace terminating in lion busts, and a ring – alongside a Persian gold coin and a Charon’s obol with a turtle on the obverse (a coin placed in the mouth of the deceased to pay the ferryman).

Situated 30 stadia west of the bustling Achaean city-state (polis) of Aigion, Rhypes likely benefited from its strategic coastal location and harbor. Ongoing excavations promise further revelations about this once-prosperous seaside town.

A Second Shipwreck at Antikythera

In late June, archaeologists investigating the famed Antikythera shipwreck made two groundbreaking discoveries: a preserved section of the original ship’s hull and the identification of a second shipwreck nearby, dating to around 60 BC.

The original wreck, discovered in 1900, is renowned for yielding the Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient astronomical device, alongside marble statues and luxury goods. This year, researchers pinpointed remnants of the ship’s wooden hull, providing new insights into its size and cargo hold. Using advanced technology, such as 3D scanners and remotely operated vehicles, archaeologists created digital models of artifacts and mapped the seabed, enhancing their understanding of the ship’s construction and its ill-fated voyage.

Approximately 200 meters from the primary wreck, researchers uncovered a deposit of pottery and a marble head, likely of Heracles, confirming the existence of a second shipwreck. Among the recovered artifacts were human teeth embedded in a copper mass, shedding light on the crew and passengers aboard the convoy. These discoveries suggest the two ships were traveling together, carrying valuable cargo, including amphorae filled with food and wine.

In addition to these finds, ongoing excavations at the original site unearthed 18 fragments of marble statues, including hands, toes, and fabric details, along with ceramics and wood from the ship’s hull. These artifacts, along with the Antikythera Mechanism itself, continue to underscore the significance of this site as a treasure trove of Roman-era maritime history.

For more information on the second shipwreck, click here.

Marble Statue of Hermes Unearthed Near the Acropolis

In early December, a gas line installation in the historic heart of Athens, at the corner of Erechtheiou and Kallisperi Streets, led to the discovery of a remarkably well-preserved white marble statue of a nude male figure. Carved in the Roman-era Hermes Ludovisi style, the statue was found encased in a brick structure, likely placed there during Late Antiquity for safekeeping.

“This statue is a testament to Athens’ grandeur during the Roman Imperial period,” said Elena Kountouri, head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens. She noted that the statue might have been part of a larger ensemble, possibly linked to a nearby architectural complex such as the House of Proclus, a luxurious 5th-century Roman villa. However, the artifact was not found in its original context. “It’s clear these objects were carefully moved and stored in antiquity,” she explained.

The location of the find, near the Acropolis and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, aligns with previous discoveries of grand urban villas in the area, showcasing the prosperity of Athens during the Late Roman period. Public works in the vicinity have paused temporarily as archaeologists continue their meticulous excavation, hoping to uncover additional artifacts or structural remains.

The statue has been transferred to conservation laboratories for preservation. This remarkable find not only sheds light on Athens’ architectural and artistic splendor during the Roman era but also underscores the layers of history buried beneath the city’s modern streets, waiting to be rediscovered.

For more on this remarkable discovery, click here.