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Old Excavations, New Interpretations: The 2008–2013 Seasons of The Ohio State University Excavations at Isthmia
Abstract
As the study of the Roman Bath nears completion, researchers at The Ohio State University Excavations at Isthmia have turned their attention to the larger context of this structure within the Sanctuary of Poseidon. A careful study of excavation records since the 1970s has uncovered evidence for buildings that predate the Roman Bath and prompts a reinterpretation of previous scholars' work. We argue that the construction of the bath was part of a more general renovation of the sanctuary, which likely involved the creation of a porticoed gymnasium. Most importantly, this report demonstrates that projects with long histories can make significant contributions to our understanding of sites through the study and publication of previously excavated evidence.
... To the east of the Roman bath complex lies a rectangular space, marked by a series of stoa-like structures and an interior colonnade, that may be the Classical and Roman gymnasium. However, the past decade has been dedicated largely to study of the artefacts, both pottery and terracotta, and reappraisal of the older excavations in the sanctuary; this programme of research has yielded some interesting new findings about ritual behaviour at the site (Frey and Gregory 2016). The area of the reservoir appears to have been used for food preparation and feasting from ca. 550-450 BC. ...
Sanctuaries remain important for the study of ancient Greek life and culture because they express the values and concerns of the communities where they were established and developed. The investigation of sanctuaries remains a fundamental aspect of research. The new data that have come to light clearly confirm that their study has in no way been exhausted. The Peloponnese has been at the centre of scholarly interest in this subject from the very start, and continues to be today. This article offers an overview of the excavations and publications of the last decade, recording also new trends in sanctuary research.