The trial trenches at Ari/Charvalo in 2016 and the excavation by E. and O. Kakavogianni at Frankolimano Thorikou 1969/70: Preliminary results

As part of the research project of the University of Bochum at Ari (Lavreotiki/Attica), an ancient ore-washery was excavated there in 2016. According to the findings, it was only superficially disturbed by later activities and is preliminarily dated to the 4th and early 3rd century BC. The findings settle the long-debated question of how the ore washeries worked: They were so-called plain tables or buddles, on which the ore was separated by density on the washing surfaces, using a water film, and without sluices.
Another project started in 2017 and concerned an old excavation at Frankolimano Thorikou near Lavrio. The archaeological finds from a battery of melting furnaces and other ancient buildings are currently under evaluation. For the time being, they can be dated to the advanced Hellenistic period. Archaeometallurgical investigations are under way in close cooperation with specialists at the NCSR Demokritos.