Archaeologists Uncover Earliest Known Iron Age House in Greek Village

Archeologists from the University of Göttingen working in the ancient village of Thorikos, outside the city of Lavrio in southern Athens, have discovered what is thought to be one of the earliest Iron Age houses in Greece, according to the Greek Reporter.

The area around Thorikos, once situated near a silver mine, was home to Mycenaean homes, businesses, and dome tombs. The outer corner of the building’s wall, first spotted by the team, was thought to be one of such tombs.

But further investigation revealed a much larger dwelling, consisting of five or even six rooms, and what was likely a paved courtyard used between 950 BCE and 825 BCE. The presence of a millstone and an “intricate layout” suggest the home was used by members of a “highly developed civilization or a well-established social structure.”

Thorikos is also home to the world’s oldest existing theater, which dates to the end of the Archaic era between around 525 BCE-480 BCE. Apart from its age, the theater is distinct for its shape. Grecian theaters built in later years are circular, however the Thorikos theater is elliptical with a rectangular orchestra. The silver mines in nearby Lavrio, which date back to 3,200 BCE, were the source of much of Classical Athens’ wealth.