The recent completion of a geoarchaeological excavation in Megalopolis, Arcadia has brought to light a groundbreaking discovery: the oldest known archaeological site in Greece—located just 70 meters beneath the earth’s surface.
This extensive research focused on the lignite mines of the region, an area that until now had seen minimal archaeological investigation. The findings suggest that the Megalopolis basin served as one of the southernmost ecological refuges in Europe during the Ice Ages.
A Hidden Prehistoric World Beneath the Surface
Five new archaeological sites have been identified, including the oldest securely dated Lower Paleolithic site in Greece, estimated to be around 700,000 years old, and the earliest Middle Paleolithic site in the country, dating back approximately 280,000 years—also making it one of the oldest in all of Europe.
To determine the age of these sites, researchers employed a variety of advanced dating techniques: paleomagnetism, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), electron spin resonance (ESR), uranium-series dating, and cosmogenic radionuclide analysis, alongside biostratigraphic and lithostratigraphic assessments.
The Oldest Site: Kyparissia, 700,000 Years Ago
The most ancient of the sites, Kyparissia, lies about 70 meters beneath today’s surface. It revealed Lower Paleolithic stone tools and fossils of now-extinct animals—including giant deer (Praemegaceros), hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, elephants, and even a macaque monkey tooth.
Nearby, the more recent Kyparissia 3 site produced mostly elephant bones, found in association with stone tools—hinting at early human interaction or tool use.
A Rare Glimpse into Prehistoric Life: Marathousa 2
At Marathousa 2, dating back to about 450,000 years ago, archaeologists discovered a partial hippopotamus skeleton bearing cut marks, alongside stone tool fragments. This provides rare evidence of hippopotamus exploitation in Europe during the Pleistocene—a unique snapshot of early human behavior.
Tripotamos: Innovation in Early Stone Tool Craftsmanship
Another remarkable site, Tripotamos, lies approximately 15 meters underground and dates to around 400,000 years ago. It features a high concentration of stone tools that exhibit new flaking techniques not seen in older sites, suggesting technological advancements in the later Lower Paleolithic period.
Choremi: A Middle Paleolithic Landmark
The Choremi site, found about 8 meters below the surface, is dated to roughly 280,000 years ago and represents the earliest known Middle Paleolithic site in Greece. The stone tools here show distinctive technological and typological features of this period. The faunal remains, mainly deer bones, include several that bear clear signs of human modification.
Why This Matters
These findings not only push back the timeline of human presence in Greece but also offer rare insight into the ecology, technology, and lifeways of early human ancestors in southern Europe. The Megalopolis basin, long overlooked, is now positioned as a critical key to understanding Europe’s prehistoric past.
This ancient world, buried beneath the modern Greek landscape, is slowly revealing its secrets—and reshaping our knowledge of human history.
