The Remarkable Ancient Greek Discoveries of the Last Few Years

Major discoveries from the ancient Greek era have uncovered remarkable insights into Greek civilization, allowing us a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and innovations of a remarkable group of people.

From lost cities and sacred temples to advanced engineering feats, each finding brings us closer to understanding the ancient Greeks, whose civilization has profoundly shaped the modern world. Below are just some such major discoveries.

The Griffin Warrior tomb, a major discovery of ancient Greek times

In 2015, archaeologists unearthed the “Griffin Warrior” tomb near Pylos, Greece. This 3,500-year-old grave contained many artifacts, including gold and silver cups, jewelry, and weapons. Notably, a seal stone known as the “Pylos Combat Agate” was found, depicting a detailed battle scene. This discovery sheds light on the connections between the Mycenaean and Minoan civilizations.

The lost ancient Greek city of Vlochos

In 2016, researchers identified the ancient city of Vlochos in western Thessaly, Greece. Using ground-penetrating radar, they revealed structures resembling a street grid and town square, enclosed by city walls covering 99 acres. This city thrived from the fourth to the third century BC before being abandoned, possibly due to Roman invasions.

An ancient Greek marketplace in Argilos

In 2013, archaeologists uncovered a 2,500-year-old marketplace, or “portico,” in the coastal city of Argilos near the modern city of Kavala. Each shop was uniquely constructed, suggesting individual ownership rather than a state-sponsored design.

Artifacts such as coins and pottery provide insights into the daily lives of Argilos’ residents before their relocation by the ancient Greek king, Philip II of Macedon in 357 BC.

The Minoan ritual structure on Crete

Excavations on Crete have revealed Bronze Age ritual sites adorned with frescoes and artifacts. These structures offer insights into the religious practices of the Minoans, known for their sophisticated art and architecture.

Notably, the Palace of Knossos was first excavated in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos, with more extensive work conducted by Sir Arthur Evans beginning in 1900. The complexity and decoration of these buildings highlight the significance of religion and ceremony in Minoan society.

Major discoveries of underwater ancient Greek cities

Underwater archaeology has uncovered submerged ancient cities along Greece’s coastlines. These sites include well-preserved buildings, roads, and artifacts, offering a glimpse into the lives of ancient coastal communities and their interactions with the sea. Some of the underwater discoveries include the following:

Kasos shipwrecks

Several underwater archaeological surveys that ended in 2023 around the Greek island of Kasos uncovered several shipwrecks spanning from the Classical to modern times. These discoveries include cargoes of amphorae and other artifacts, shedding light on ancient maritime trade routes and the island’s historical significance.

Amphorae from shipwrecks near Delos

During the May 2017 expedition near Delos, archaeologists discovered amphorae from shipwrecks dating from various periods. Some amphorae date back to the 5th century BC, while others are from the late Hellenistic period (2nd to 1st century B.C.).

The pyramid plumbing system on Keros island

On the Greek island of Keros, researchers discovered a pyramid-like structure in 2018 with an advanced drainage system dating back 4,000 years. This system predates other known plumbing systems in the region, indicating a high level of engineering skill among the island’s ancient inhabitants.

Tenea: The Trojan descendants of ancient Greece

The ancient city of Tenea, believed to have been founded by Trojan prisoners of war, was rediscovered in 2016 near Chiliomodi in southern Greece. Excavations have uncovered residential remains, artifacts, and coins dating from the 4th century BC to the Roman era, providing evidence of the city’s prosperity and connections to Troy.

The naval base of Salamis

In 2016, researchers located the ancient naval base used during the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC. Underwater ruins in Ampelakia Bay on the island of Salamis include walls, fortifications, and docks, indicating where Greece’s navy assembled to confront the Persian fleet. In 2022, researchers identified underwater ruins, believed to be the ancient naval base used during the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC.

An ancient silver mine in Thorikos

In 2016 archaeologists discovered an ancient silver mine in Thorikos (southern portion of Attica), central to Athens’ wealth. The site features an extensive network of tunnels, revealing the challenging conditions under which enslaved workers extracted silver.

The mine’s organization and precision highlight advanced mining techniques and the role of silver in establishing Athens as a major power.

The ancient harbor of Corinth, yet another major discovery

In 2017, excavations at Lechaion, the ancient port of Corinth, revealed large-scale stone and wooden structures. The preserved wooden infrastructure offers rare insights into ancient building techniques, as wood typically decays over time. This harbor underscores the advanced engineering of ancient Greece and Rome and highlights Corinth’s significance in regional trade.

An ancient Greek gymnasium in Egypt

In 2017, archaeologists uncovered Egypt’s first Greek-style gymnasium in the ancient village of Philoteris. This 2,300-year-old building featured a dining hall, gardens, and a racetrack, catering to upper-class youths interested in sports and philosophy.

The Greek civilization gymnasium along with other major discoveries illustrates how Greek settlers maintained their customs while integrating with local cultures.