ACTION

Ancient Thοuria is a “neighboring” city that played a significant role in Messinia, as it was the most important city of western Messinia and the second most powerful after 369 BC, when Messini was founded. That is why the sea extending from Avia and Fares to the estuary of the Pamisos river was called “Gulf of Thouria.” The excavation of ancient Thouria in the location called “Panaghitsa,” approximately 10 km northwest of Kalamata, began in 2007 under the supervision of then-director of the 38th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities of Messinia, Dr. Xeni Arapoyanni, and continued up until this year. Since 2009, the excavations have been carried out systematically, under the auspices of the Archaeological Society at Athens, and the direction of Dr. Xeni Arapoyanni.

The impressive results of the archaeological research carried out in the area of ancient Thouria, and the apparent uniqueness of the ancient city, preserved in its entirety, make the promotion of this major archaeological site an extremely important task, which will contribute to the archaeological and historical research, as well as the preservation of our cultural heritage, in consultation and collaboration with the Directorate of Excavations and the related government bureaus. The “Captain Vassilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos” Foundation is a constant supporter of the excavation and the actions that aim towards bringing out this unique city.

For more information about the findings and the course of the excavation, visit:http://www.ancientthouriaexcavation.gr/