







Sparta Sanctuaries Project 2007
Assessment and Analysis: Study season
This pilot project aimed to identify, and assess the condition of material from the early School excavations in Sparta (specifically at Artemis Orthia, Athena Chalkioikos, and the so-called Achilleion) stored in Sparta Museum which would be suitable for re- study or, in many cases, publication for the first time as part of a planned major study of Spartan Sanctuaries. Conservation of the finds is part of the aim. Building on studies carried out in the Museum in recent years by Mr R. Catling, and Drs R. Sweetman, and C. Kelly-Blazeby, the team examined all 306 boxes of School material in Apothiki 3, characterized their contents, and entered them on a database. Much original packaging and many old labels were replaced. Most of the pottery was found to be from Orthia, the acropolis, and the theatre, with a lesser amount from Chalkioikos and elsewhere. In the Glyptotheke, a preliminary examination was made of 42 drawers; most of the material was from Orthia and the acropolis. Additional thanks are due to the staff of the School, particularly the Director and School Secretary; to the Sparta and Laconia Committee; and especially to the staff of Sparta Museum and the Sth Ephoreia of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities under its Director, Mrs A. Vasilogamvrou. We also thank her colleagues, especially Mrs A. Panagiotopoulou and Miss S. Raftopoulou, for their assistance. Generous hospitality was offered by Mr and Mrs R. Catling, who also facilitated the team's stay at Aphysou on behalf of Dr H. W. Catting.
Active in 2007.