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Discovery in the Peloponnese reignites the search for the ancient Sanctuary of Poseidon in Samikon, cited by Strabo and investigated by archaeologists since the 20th century
An archaeological discovery of great historical relevance has once again placed southern Greece in the spotlight. Remains of a monumental construction have been identified in the Kleidi-Samikon region, in Elis, an area located in the western Peloponnese.
Researchers believe that the structure may correspond to the ancient Sanctuary of Poseidon in Samikon, a religious space mentioned by Strabo in the work Geographika. The site, associated with the god of the seas, has remained for centuries as one of the enigmas of Greek archaeology.
The Austrian Archaeological Institute, linked to the Austrian Academy of Sciences, is conducting the research in partnership with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Elis. Modern studies began in 2017, gained momentum with geophysical surveys in 2021, and advanced with systematic excavations starting in 2022.
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Technical investigation reveals rare structure in the ancient territory of Samikon
The excavations indicate the existence of a rectangular construction about 28 meters long and 9.5 meters wide. The building has thick walls, column bases, and signs of a roof made of Laconian-style tiles.
The internal layout draws the attention of specialists. The temple features two large rooms, connected by a common entrance area. This format appears as an unusual element among known Greek temples.
Archaeologists are working with the hypothesis that the building served different functions. One of the rooms could have been used for religious practices, while the other might have hosted meetings of representatives from the region’s cities.
This interpretation aligns with ancient accounts that point to the sanctuary as a religious center of Lepreum, Macistus, and Phrixa. These cities were part of the ancient political and religious landscape of Triphylia.
Ritual artifacts reinforce connection with religious practices
The objects found during the excavations help to understand the possible use of the site. Among the findings is a marble ritual basin, known as perirrhanterion, used in purification ceremonies.
Fragments of a kantharos, a type of chalice used in ancient Greece, were also identified by the researchers. A bronze plaque found at the site may have been part of the decoration or records of the temple.
Archaeological studies also indicate that the construction underwent renovations between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. At the time, materials from the old roof were reused to stabilize the floor and reduce the effects of underground water infiltration.
Landscape changed and made it difficult to locate the temple
The search for the sanctuary spans more than a century. At the beginning of the 20th century, the archaeologist Wilhelm Dörpfeld investigated the region of Kleidi-Samikon and found evidence of a large monumental structure.
Lagoons and swampy areas prevented a complete exploration at that time. As a result, the exact identification of the ancient sanctuary remained unanswered for decades.
The local landscape has also changed significantly over time. In antiquity, the temple was closer to the sea and surrounded by wild olive trees, according to descriptions attributed to Strabo.
Excavations continue in 2026 to confirm the role of the sanctuary
Research is expected to continue throughout 2026, with support from the Gerda Henkel Foundation and the Austrian Archaeological Institute. The main objective is to better understand the political and religious function of the building.
Experts still approach the identification with caution. The structure shows strong evidence of a connection with the temple of Poseidon in Samikon, but definitive confirmation depends on the continuation of analyses.
The discovery expands knowledge about the religious architecture of ancient Greece and about the organization of cities in the Peloponnese. The possible temple also reinforces the importance of Samikon as a strategic point between religion, politics, and territory.
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