Archaeologists have uncovered a pair of ancient wells on the Greek island of Cephalonia.
The discovery, announced by Greece’s Ministry of Culture and Sports on August 2, reveals the wells’ intricate design and their potential roles in both material extraction and ritualistic activities.
Located atop the inaccessible hill of Kotroni in the Lakithra region, the site was first identified through aerial photographs that showed a circular structure poking through the dense vegetation. Initial expectations were that this might be a new burial monument, similar to the Tzanata Tombs known from the Mycenaean period. However, excavations revealed a more complex site.
The wells, which date back at least 3,100 years, are surrounded by carefully arranged stone rings that support the outer slopes and add a sense of monumentality to the structures. These rings, combined with the mound-like appearance, suggest a ceremonial or ritualistic function beyond their practical use.
Inside the wells, archaeologists found remarkably well-preserved tool marks from limestone extraction. Grooves up to 20 cm deep indicate the use of wooden beams to support a platform or material removal system. Access to the wells was likely provided by wooden staircases, as evidenced by marks in the rock.
Excavations uncovered several layers of clay, stone, and pottery at the site. The pottery fragments, dating to the Late Bronze Age, were deliberately broken and scattered in different layers. This intentional act of fragmentation is unique in Cephalonia and contrasts with the typical accumulation of ceramics in funerary monuments. The carefully arranged layers and the deliberate breakage of pottery indicate previously unexplored ceremonial behavior in the region.
A thick layer of pure white calcium carbonate seals the entrances to both wells. In the northern well, a flat-based vessel, broken into two halves, was found in separate locations, further emphasizing the possible ritual intent of these actions.
The discovery of these wells provides some of the earliest evidence of material extraction in the Aegean region during the Late Bronze Age. The use of local resources such as flint and calcium carbonate played fundamental roles in daily life and ceremonies. Interestingly, calcium carbonate is still extracted in the same region.
The site, named “Kotroni” after the hill where it sits, offers a panoramic view over the Leivatho, Kranea region, the airport, and Zakynthos. This strategic location further underscores its importance in ancient times.
The Ephorate of Antiquities of Cephalonia and Ithaca, which directed the excavation, noted that the site’s significance lies in its combination of material extraction and ritualistic practices. The excavation team continues to study the site, aiming to uncover more details about the ancient people who built and used these wells.
