|
|
 |
|
 |
The western excavation zone, demarcated by Pissandrou, Panagi Tsaldari and Grigoriou V streets was regarded for many years as an area unsuitable for construction and so the archeological finds that were discovered there are in a very good state of preservation. The impressive excavations are not only numerous but there are also monuments dating back to all periods.
 Remains of the Mycenaean period and a tomb dating as far back as the Geometric period were found near the church of Aghios Panteleimon Two ancient roads were discovered as well named Cardo and Decumana by the Italian occupational forces. The smaller road, meaning "Axis" crossed the area and probably led to the harbour. The larger road was so named because it means "Great" or 'Important". It crosses the smaller road at a right angle and runs the length of Grigoriou V street. On both of these roads, one can clearly see the parts worn away by the wheels of ancient chariots.
 The Xystos was an ancient gym so named because the athletes would cover themselves in olive oil before the games began and scraped it off afterwards. (Xysto means "scraped".) Only 17 of 81 pillars remain which used to support a roof that stretched across the entire gym. The west side of the colonnade was decorated with lion heads and there was a swimming pool available which was built during Roman times. The gymnastic stadium was one hectare (10 000 metres squared).
The Western Public Baths are situated beside the Xystos and were built by the Romans on the ruins of another ancient building. There was a large room with a domed roof under which a 7 x 6.5 metres mosaic was found. In the main bathroom, small floor supports have been preserved. Water vapour was pumped under the floor to warm the room. The earthquake of 469 AD destroyed the baths.
 The Early Christian Basilica occupies a large part of the Western Hot Baths. The entrance to the Basilica has been restored in white marble. The baptismal font in the shape of a cross and the step of the throne occupied by the bishop has also been preserved.
The foundations of a 3rd century BC building were found to the north east of the Basilica which had been used as a residence by the Romans. Behind the house, ruins of a great hall containing a large mosaic of the 2nd century AD were discovered. It is one of the most beautiful mosaics discovered on the island depicting battles between men and beasts, the judgment of Paris and Apollo with his lyre and the Muses.
The Nymphaion faces the Public Baths on the small road. The Nymphaion was so named because when it was discovered, the incredible beauty and its general appearance fooled the archeologists into believing that it was a sanctuary dedicated to nymphs and goddesses. It was however later realised that the building was actually a public urinal, which makes one realise the wealth and lavishness that Kos once enjoyed. There was an outer courtyard full of mosaics and a large well. There were eleven pillars on three sides and on the fourth side above the well there were two projections on which statues had been placed. The interior marble walls are 1.83 metres high and drainage ditches run along their bases. Archeologists believe that a staircase led to an Acropolis above the Nymphaion but this has not been discovered.
 The House of the Abduction of Europe is situated at the eastern end of the large road. It was also built on the ruins of an older building in 142 Ad. There is 7 x 7 metre courtyard at the entrance with 2 pillars leading to several rooms. The building is so named after the 3 x 3.2 metre mosaic depicting the abduction of Europa by Zeus disguised as a bull. The lavatory installation in the house displays excellent techniques in drainage. Statues of Artemis, Hygeia, Asklepieios, Hermes, Dionysus and others are displayed in the museum of Kos.
 The Amphitheatre was discovered in 1929. It is in an excellent state of preservation and is still used for public performances even to this day. It has nine rows of marble benches which were considered first class seats. These are separated by a corridor from the remaining tiers of seats which are made of limestone. Spectators would reach their seats via two flights of steps on either side of the rows of seats. The space below the tiers rested on domed galleries in which statues were discovered, including that of Hippocrates which today occupies a separate gallery at the museum due to its size.
The Church of Saint Prodromou has 5 projections and 2 protrusions which look like steps where baptisms took place. It is now the church of the Orthodox Cemetery.
 The Casa Romana or Roman House is built in Pompeii style in the 3rd century AD on the ruins of a Hellenistic house. Inside this truly wonderful building there are three courtyards built to give maximum air and light to the rooms. Each courtyard has a pool in the centre. The first courtyard has a mosaic showing a lion pouncing on a wild goat and a leopard attacking a deer. Another mosaic depicting marine life was removed and taken to the museum. From the second courtyard we reach a dining room where the walls were decorated with marble and there are mosaics around the pool which show dolphins and nymphs riding on a seahorse. In the third courtyard there are Ionian and Corinthian columns.
Ruins of the Dionysus Altar are opposite Casa Romana and are considered to have been built in the 3rd century BC.
Many mosaics and plaques were discovered bearing various inscriptions including the rules of the adoration of Hermes among the relics of the Main Thermes and ruins of the Thermes of the 3rd or 4th century BC.
The Ancient Stadium measures 600 x 40 feet and is scattered with pillars below the junction of 31 Martiou and Megas Alexandros streets. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dry -
mostly cloudy
- thunder; Cumulonimbus clouds observed |
| Temp.:
15.0°C | 59.0 °F
Hourly
Fluctuation (0.0 °C/hr)
Humidity: 76 %
Wind: 2 bft - SSW
|
02:45 AM
(GMT+2) -
03/12/09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
