During the Metaxas years (1936 and 1941), surprisingly significant archaeological discoveries were made in Greece, under the auspicies of the 4th of August regime, perhaps reflecting the regime’s fixation with the glories of the past, but also because it was part of the so-called “golden age” for archaeology (the first half of the 20th century).

1. Tumulus of the Plataeans (1936)

In 1936, Greek archaologist Spyridon Marinatos researched Marathon, where he excavated the tumulus of the Plataeans, traditionally linked to the famous battle of 490 BC. Inside the mound he uncovered cremation burials and associated grave goods, providing direct evidence of the funerary practices used for the Plataean allies who fell alongside the Athenians. This excavation was a landmark for connecting archaeology with a pivotal event in Greek history.

2. Excavations at Eleusis (1936-1939)

The Sanctuary of Demeter and Kore, a key religious site for the Eleusinian Mysteries, was further explored. Archaeologists uncovered additional parts of the Telesterion, the large initiation hall used for secret religious rites.

3. Discoveries at the Athenian Agora (1936-1940)

The American School of Classical Studies continued excavations in the Agora. Findings included statues, coins, pottery, and inscriptions, providing valuable information about Athenian democratic life.

4. Work on the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae (1936-1941)

Greek archaeologist Konstantinos Rhomaios led efforts to study and document the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, one of Greece’s most remarkable Classical-era temples. Built in the 5th century BCE and attributed to Iktinos (the architect of the Parthenon), the temple is unique for its combination of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian elements.

5. Villa of the Lilies (1937)

In 1937, Marinatos he brought to light the Villa of the Lilies, a Minoan elite residence at Amnissos, near Knossos. Its walls yielded extraordinary frescoes depicting naturalistic lilies, one of the finest achievements of Middle Minoan art. The discovery gave scholars new insight into the function of villas as centers of wealth and prestige separate from the major palaces, while also enriching the corpus of Minoan wall painting.

6. Delos (1937)

French archaeologists continued uncovering Hellenistic houses, mosaics, and inscriptions on this important religious and trade center. The excavation of the Agora of the Italians revealed more about the Roman influence on the island.

7. Excavations in Thessaly (1938)

Research focused on Neolithic settlements, particularly at Sesklo and Dimini. Findings included early agricultural tools, pottery, and settlement structures, shedding light on early Greek civilization.

8. Vergina, ancient Aigai (1938-1939)

Greek archaeologist Konstantinos Rhomaios undertook excavations at Vergina (ancient Aigai) that marked a turning point in the exploration of Macedonia’s early capital. His work brought to light the first substantial remains of the Macedonian palace complex, offering crucial evidence of the monumental architecture associated with the Argead dynasty. Even more significant was his discovery of several unlooted Macedonian tombs, which, though predating the later and more celebrated royal burials of Philip II, provided invaluable insights into the funerary traditions of the Macedonian elite.

9. Palace of Nestor in Pylos (1939)

American archaeologist Carl Blegen led excavations at Pylos, uncovering the Palace of Nestor, a key Mycenaean site. Among the most important finds were Linear B tablets, which later contributed to the decipherment of the script by Michael Ventris in the 1950s. Rich frescoes, storage rooms, and administrative records provided insight into Mycenaean palace life.

10. Tombs at Mycenae (1939)

Blegen also investigated Mycenaean shaft graves and chamber tombs in the region. Finds included pottery, weapons, and burial goods that expanded knowledge of Late Bronze Age Mycenaean civilization.

11. Marinatos’ Excavation at Thermopylae (1939)

Spyridon Marinatos conducted a significant excavation at Thermopylae, the site of the famous 480 BCE battle between the Greeks and Persians. He uncovered weapons, arrowheads, and spearheads, likely from both armies, as well as human remains believed to belong to fallen warriors. Marinatos also identified traces of the Phocian Wall, which played a role in the Greek defense. Additionally, his topographical study of the battlefield helped confirm how the landscape had changed since antiquity, particularly regarding the Malian Gulf. This was one of the first systematic archaeological efforts to investigate the actual battlefield.

By 1940, the focus had shifted to the breakout of WW2 in Europe, and in 1940 the Greek-Italian war halted excavations and in 1941, just before the German invasion of Greece, many artifacts were hidden by the Greeks to prevent looting by the Germans. However, the archaeological discoveries from this period significantly contributed to the understanding of ancient Greek history.

– By Andreas Markessinis

* Additionally to these findings, in 1939 Marinatos published a landmark article arguing that the destruction of the Late Minoan civilization on Crete around 1500 BCE was caused by the catastrophic eruption of the volcano on the island of Thera (modern Santorini). This theory was partly based on his earlier discovery of a quantity of volcanic pumice at the Minoan villa at Amnisos (on Crete).