In the heart of ancient Greece, a group of Macquarie University students, led by Dr Susan Lupack, embarked on a transformative adventure during the 2023 Perachora Peninsula Archaeological Project. Their goal? To reveal the hidden secrets of a bygone era and breathe new life into history. This journey was made possible in large part due to the generous support they received from the Gale Fund.
Their work began with an exploration of the 8th–2nd century B.C.E. town associated with the Sanctuary of Hera, where the team uncovered and mapped additional features of the Upper Plain, including the fascinating Dunbabin's House – a 15 x 20-metre structure. What's more, they meticulously traced the ancient road that ran through the town, providing fresh insights into the region's rich past.
Closer to the sanctuary, their efforts bore fruit in the form of high-quality sherds, which they realised must represent remnants of pottery from the 1930s excavation. Dr. Lupack and her team recognised the significance of these finds, and their analysis is shedding new light on the sanctuary's history. Notably, they discovered an Argive coin featuring a distinctive wolf's head on its obverse – a thrilling find that set their hearts racing.
But that's not all. The team elevated their research by introducing cutting-edge technology. With the aid of a DJI Phantom 4 RTK drone, piloted by Barbora Weissova of Bilkent University, they took to the skies to visualise the Fountain House, Building A I, and the sanctuary itself. These images will serve as the foundation for interactive maps and photogrammetric models, offering an immersive experience for visitors and a comprehensive understanding of the region's past.
Beyond the sanctuary, the project extended its reach to the Perachora Peninsula's agricultural plain, Asprokampos. The diligent fieldwalkers surveyed the area, investigating the remains of two significant structures from the Archaic–Classical period – one believed to be a substantial building, the other a watchtower. This evidence hints at a thriving settlement that spanned millennia, dating back to the Late Bronze Age.
The team's groundbreaking work didn't stop there. They were invited by the Ephoreia to explore Diokastro, a fortified citadel with a commanding view of the Corinthian Gulf. This site's historical significance, recorded by Xenophon, suggests further exciting discoveries in the future.
Dr Lupack and her team's dedication extended to collaborating with Greek colleagues on mapping other archaeological sites on the Perachora Peninsula, integrating their collective knowledge of the region's rich archaeological history.
Throughout the project, students were at the heart of the action. They actively participated in every facet of the work – from total pick-ups to field walking, processing and photographing the artefacts, digitising images of the sites and working with the data collected in our GIS system, and even assisting with drone operations. Their hands-on experiences gave them a tangible connection to the past and a profound sense of contribution to the present.
Dr Lupack's vision transcends academia. “These immersive experiences offer a glimpse into the professional world of archaeology, providing them with the skills they need to become the archaeologists of tomorrow”. “It's a voyage into the past, but also a stepping stone to their futures," says Dr Lupack.
Special thanks and photo credit go to Dr Susan Lupack.