A Remarkable Find in Greece
The ancient city of Tenea, long shrouded in legend, continues to reveal its secrets. Archaeologists have unearthed a monumental funerary complex in Chiliomodi, just north of Tenea, shedding new light on the city's history and its deep-rooted connections to ancient Greek civilization.
A Tomb with Hellenistic and Roman Influences
According to the Greek Ministry of Culture, the tomb's architectural style closely resembles Macedonian burial structures from the Hellenistic period (323–31 BCE). The T-shaped complex consists of two main sections: a 24-by-9-foot central chamber and a narrow, partially covered corridor that runs perpendicular to it.
Inside the chamber, researchers discovered six tombs, including a massive monolithic sarcophagus containing both human and animal remains. Two of the tombs had been disturbed in antiquity, while scattered bones and pottery fragments dating to the 5th and 6th centuries CE suggest prolonged use of the space. Archaeologists believe the tomb was sealed after the 4th century CE but was later broken into during the late Roman period, when it may have been repurposed for ritual activities.
Treasures Revealing a Healing Cult
Despite evidence of looting, the site yielded a rich collection of artifacts from the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Among the discoveries were small ceramic vessels, fragments of pottery, gold coins, decorative bronze items, glass beads, iron steles, perfume bottles, clay figurines, and a gold ring featuring an engraved gemstone with the image of Apollo and a serpent—symbols associated with healing.
The presence of votive offerings and the architectural features outside the tomb strongly indicate that this site was linked to a religious cult centered on healing.
Unraveling the Mystery of Tenea
These latest discoveries add to the growing body of evidence confirming the existence of Tenea, a city once believed to be purely mythical. According to ancient tradition, Tenea was founded by Trojan captives after the fall of Troy. Unlike nearby Corinth, which was destroyed by the Romans in 146 BCE, Tenea thrived for centuries before eventually fading into obscurity. The reasons behind its decline remain unknown.
Notable past discoveries in the region include the Kouros of Tenea, a marble statue dating to around 560 BCE, found in a burial site in 1846. In 1984, archaeologists uncovered the sarcophagus of a high-status woman, and in 2017, more ancient tombs were revealed.
Rediscovering an Ancient City
One of the most groundbreaking moments in the study of Tenea came in 2018 when archaeologist Elena Korka and her team excavated a site containing floors, walls, doorways, coins, and pottery spanning from the 4th century BCE to the late Roman period. The Greek Ministry of Culture declared the find as definitive proof of the city’s existence.
Expanding the Excavation Efforts
This latest excavation is part of Korka’s ongoing Ancient Tenea Program, managed by the Directorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities. Beyond the tomb, researchers have also uncovered additional ancient ruins, including a paved road, residential buildings, storage facilities, and a kiln containing charred clay fragments.
With each new discovery, archaeologists continue to piece together the story of Tenea, a city once thought lost to time, but now offering an invaluable window into the ancient Greek world.
