At the beginning of October, the systematic archaeological excavation season concluded on the Trapezá plateau, located eight kilometers southwest of Aigio, Greece.
This site is identified with the ancient city of Ripes, a prosperous city in the Achaea region during the early historical period, known for its role in founding the colony of Croton in Magna Graecia.
This year’s campaign focused on studying the building known as “Building Γ” (Gamma), located southeast of the temple terrace and associated with the city’s public functions. This structure, previously buried under a ruined construction made of limestone and conglomerate blocks, revealed a crepidoma 16.80 meters long and a stylobate dating to before 300 BCE.
The architectural elements found suggest a monumental construction in Corinthian style, characterized by uniquely proportioned columns, Peloponnesian bases, and capitals with intricate decorations resembling those of the Temple of Apollo at Bassae.
Among the most notable finds were lions sculpted in Pentelic marble, originally integrated into independent stone bases. Fragments of a large funerary stele depicting a young man were also uncovered.
These discoveries confirm that Building Γ was a heroon, a funerary monument dedicated to honoring significant figures of ancient Ripes.
Inside the heroon, the excavations revealed intact tombs, including some sarcophagus-shaped ones, containing valuable burial offerings. Among the recovered objects were gold earrings decorated with lion heads, a pendant of winged Eros, a necklace with lion-bust ends, gold rings, and historically significant funerary coins. These findings attest to the wealth and high social status of those interred.
A small excavation around the monument uncovered architectural remains and pottery dating back to the 8th century BCE, demonstrating the site’s long history of occupation.
The research, led by Dr. Andreas G. Bordos of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaea, will continue as part of a new five-year program financially supported by the A.G. Leventis Foundation and Olympia Odos S.A.
These discoveries shed light on the architecture and funerary practices of ancient Achaea, establishing Trapezá as a key site for understanding the region’s history.
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