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Modern Description: The Mycenaean settlement of Chalandritsa came to light after a rescue excavation in 1985, with further research taking place in 1996 and in the period 2002-2004. The excavation has revealed an extensive settlement dating mainly to the Late Helladic III B-C period. (13th- 12th century B.C.); the settlement was still in use during the sub-Mycenaean period (11th century B.C.).
The settlement lies on top of a rocky hill on the western approaches of Mount Panachaikon, near a water source, making its location ideal, not only as a habitation site, but also as a control point for the plains of western Achaia, the so-called “Dymaian” land (after Dyme, the main city of the region in ancient times), as well as the route to the mountains to the south. The importance of this settlement lies in the fact that it is - so far - the most well investigated Mycenaean settlement in Achaia and was probably the administrative center of the area. A chamber tomb cemetery at Agios Vasilios (a location 3 km. to the NW) can be associated with this settlement.
The rocky flanks at the northern and eastern sides of the hill functioned as its boundaries, providing at the same time a natural means of fortification. The buildings are arranged in concentric rings, (5 have come to light so far, but there is evidence for the existence of more) beginning at the top of the hill and spreading to the western – southwestern slopes. Rectangular or trapezoid rooms formed habitation units, while the existence of a top floor can be assumed in some cases. Two main roads running along the long and the narrow sides of the settlement respectively provided the means of movement between the houses. A large megaron-like building might have existed at the highest point of the hill, which unfortunately has been destroyed.
The houses were built with clay bricks on top of stone foundations, which are today the only visible architectural elements. The finding of clay roof-tiles is a feature of particular importance, because this kind of roofing was extremely rare during the Mycenaean period. Another characteristic feature are the built benches and fireplaces in several houses, indicative of the activities of the inhabitants. Cist tombs, usually containing child burials, have also been uncovered beneath the floors in a number of rooms, an indication of a high infantile mortality rate.
The small finds, usually coarse every-day pottery, stone, bone and bronze tools, animal bones, spindle whorls and loom-weights, offer insights to the inhabitants' activities, which appear to be of a primarily agricultural character. It is worth referring to a group of finds from the excavations of 1996 and 2002-2004 (semi-processed steatite beads), which could indicate the existence in the settlement of a stone-seal workshop.
Wikidata ID: Q38281406

Info: Patras University

(Monuments of Aitoloakarnania and Achaia, 2003, University of Patras)

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