Publications
»trotz aller Bepinselung mit der [...] empfohlenen Harzlösung«
A study examining the conservation challenges of bronze artifacts at the Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos reveals that the site's unique environmental conditions—periodic moisture exposure and proximity to the sea—led to diverse corrosion patterns and significant material damage, complicating long-term preservation. The research highlights the development of practical, field-friendly restoration techniques during German excavations (1910–1939), initially employed by archaeologists and later extended to include photographers and assistants. Collaboration with Berlin’s Antikenabteilung and Restaurierungslaboratorium was key in adapting methods for efficiency and accessibility, though challenges persisted due to the site's complex conditions.
DFG-Projekt Abschlussbericht "Wasser und Kult im Heraion von Samos"
A resilient water supply system at the Heraion of Samos, one of the largest ancient Greek temple complexes, has been revealed through interdisciplinary research. The study demonstrates that the site's strategic location—situated at the convergence of surface water catchments and a cascade of groundwater aquifers—enabled sustainable water access even during prolonged droughts. Isotope analyses further traced the origins of this water, linking it to ancient, sulfur-rich sources tied to the temple's sacred significance. Sediment core data also reconstructed the Imbrasos River's historical shifts, explaining the need for western temple fortifications and illustrating how groundwater wells, predecessors to modern horizontal drains, mitigated salinization risks. This research underscores the Heraion's hydrological resilience and the synergy between archaeological evidence and environmental hydrology.
Die 301. Greifenprotome aus dem Heraion von Samos
A nearly complete griffin protome, the 301st such artifact discovered at the Heraion of Samos, was unearthed during archaeological excavations led by W.-D. Niemeier in 2009. This rare find provides critical insights into the technical production process and chronological placement of griffin sculptures from the archaic period. The study cross-references U. Gehrig's established chronology system with new absolute dating evidence, offering a reconstruction of the multi-step casting process. Additionally, it proposes an alternative scenario for the 'Stirnstachel-Werkstatt' workshop, based on examples of unfinished raw casts and refined griffin sculptures.
Die neue Hera: Ein Tempel für Livia auf Samos
A newly deciphered inscription reveals that a small temple, the 'Prostylos,' built during the early Roman Imperial period at the Heraion of Samos, was dedicated to the deified Empress Livia, wife of Emperor Augustus. This discovery clarifies the identity of the temple's patron but leaves questions about its exact dating and the function of two adjacent structures, which appear to form a cohesive architectural ensemble with the Livia Temple. The study combines archaeological analysis with epigraphic evidence, suggesting that the site experienced significant development during both the Augustan and Claudian dynasties, though precise chronological distinctions remain challenging.
Die sogenannte Nordhalle im Heraion von Samos – eine Spurensuche
A long-standing assumption about the Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos—specifically, the existence of a 'North Hall' as part of its sacred precinct—has been debunked. Analysis of architectural remains reveals no evidence supporting this structure; instead, the remnants belong to a dam and adjacent wall designed to divert the Imbrasos river away from the sanctuary. This challenges prior reconstructions and underscores the importance of re-evaluating foundational interpretations in archaeological studies.
Eine monumentale Terrasse im Heraion von Samos
Excavations at the Heraion of Samos in 1980/1981 uncovered a monumental archic-era terrace, approximately 40 meters long and rising about one meter above the terrain, located east of the sacred precinct near the holy road. This structure, composed of two parts—a terrace and an adjacent four-chambered building—was adorned with eight segmental moldings bearing colorful depictions. While the terrace's reconstruction is largely possible due to preserved remnants, including two staircases, the intended appearance and completion of the building remain uncertain, as only its foundations survive. The study highlights the significance of this discovery in understanding the architectural and artistic sophistication of ancient Samos.
Goldfunde aus dem Heraion von Samos
Recent excavations at the Heraion of Samos, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos, have uncovered significant quantities of gold fragments, expanding the known collection substantially. Unlike similar findings from the Artemision of Ephesos, these discoveries primarily consist of gold foil pieces and fewer gold strip fragments, with minimal representation of jewelry or small sculptures. The foils, interpreted as ornamental or floral decorations for lost carrier objects—possibly textiles—offer new insights into ancient decorative practices. This study highlights the underappreciated role of such materials in archaeological research, providing a unique perspective on the cultural and ritual significance of gold in ancient Greek sites.
Heraion and some features of the cult of Hera on Samos
Archaeological research at the Heraion of Samos reveals significant insights into the evolution and religious significance of one of ancient Greece's most important sanctuaries. The study highlights the temple's multi-phase construction, from its 8th-century BC origins to later reconstructions, addressing challenges like soil instability. Detailed analysis of the temple complex, including auxiliary structures and the Sacred Way linking Samos' city to the sanctuary, underscores its architectural ingenuity and adaptability. Excavations uncovered artifacts—such as sacrificial remains, seeds, and unique ceramics—shedding light on Hera's cult practices, particularly those tied to fertility symbols and rituals. The lygos tree emerges as a notable symbol of Hera's patronage over Samos, enriching our understanding of the island's religious landscape.
Samos – Berlin – Moskau
A significant discovery of an ancient bronze tripod leg, previously unpublished and found in the Pushkin Museum's special depot in Moscow, sheds new light on the artistry and craftsmanship of archaic Greece. This rare, well-preserved artifact, dating to around 500 BCE, was unearthed near the Rhoikos Altar in Samos' Heraion and features intricate engravings of animals and mythical creatures. Its unique combination of solid-cast legs with engraved designs sets it apart from known examples. The study also uncovered a previously unknown drawing of this piece in Berlin's Antikensammlung archives, providing further context. Stylistic comparisons suggest its origin could be from a West Asian or Ionian workshop, possibly Samian or Milesian, and hint at its possible use as either an offering or sacred vessel.
Sanctuaries between Materiality and Mentality
Sanctuaries, such as the Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos, serve as critical lenses for understanding the interplay between materiality and mentality in ancient societies. This study highlights how archaeological research on sanctuaries—focusing on their architectural elements, cult objects, and ritual remains—can be linked to immaterial aspects like rituals, social interactions, piety, and emotions. By integrating methods from social anthropology, religious studies, and cognitive science, the research reveals deeper insights into the symbolic significance of these sites, emphasizing the role of senses such as sound and smell in shaping religious experiences.
Zur Datierung der beiden Dipteroi im Heraion von Samos
Excavations at the Heraion of Samos in 1989 provided definitive stratigraphic dating for two ancient temples, Dipteros I and II. Uninterrupted strata across four trenches in Dipteros II's pronaos yielded key artifacts that pinned down the construction timeline of their foundations. Notably, a complex of finds beneath Dipteros I's foundation allowed its dating as well. Additional trenches examined the substructure of Dipteros II's foundation, offering deeper insights into its architectural development. This study resolved long-standing questions about the chronological sequence and construction phases of these significant structures within the UNESCO-listed Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos.
ΝΥΜΦΑΙ ΟΡΕΣΚΩΟΙ ΒΑΘΥΚΟΛΠΟΙ
A distinct Nymph type, characterized by intricate draping with broad hollow hems and long fringes, has been identified through multiple replicas from the Pythagoreion of Samos. This type, likely originating around the mid-2nd century BCE, represents a significant artifact of Samos' Nymph cult. The study connects this type to earlier references in the Heraion's 346/345 BCE inscription and draws parallels with the fringed mantle of the Knidian Aphrodite, providing insight into the cultural and artistic practices of the region during the Hellenistic period.
Der Südbau im Heraion von Samos - Das Odeion des Heiligtums?
Archaeological research at the Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos reveals that the 'Südbau' structure, previously overlooked, is likely the earliest known Odeion (concert hall or meeting place) within a sacred precinct. The study suggests that this building, constructed with visible effort to elevate it from the ground using repurposed materials—including fragments from column votives—was integral to the sanctuary's 6th-century BCE expansion and reorganization. Unlike other structures, its foundation layout rules out a peripteral design, pointing instead to an open eastern facade resembling an 'Oikos' (a rectangular building). While its exact function remains speculative, the term 'Odeion' in ancient records and its prominent position within the temenos strongly support this interpretation. The findings provide critical insights into the spatial planning and cultural significance of one of Greece's most significant religious sites.
Early Greek city-states of the Iron Age (eleventh–seventh centuries BCE
The emergence of Greek civilization in the eighth century BCE is marked by significant advancements, including the rise of independent city-states (polis), the adoption of the Phoenician alphabet, and increased interactions with the Near East and Egypt. These city-states varied in size and governance structures, ranging from small settlements like Zagora on Andros Island to prosperous commercial centers such as Corinth. Archaeological evidence, including ceramics, cemeteries like Toumba at Lefkandi and Kerameikos at Athens, and religious sanctuaries such as the Heraion on Samos, provides insights into trade, military practices, and religious devotion. Notably, the Heraion complex includes a temple, outdoor altar, and visitor accommodations, while dedicatory inscriptions like the Mantiklos figurine highlight the cultural and religious significance of these sites. Additionally, the introduction of coinage in the late seventh century BCE by the Lydians further illustrates the Greek world's integration with broader Near Eastern influences.
Ein Löwenkopfbecher aus dem Heraion von Samos
Archaeological excavations at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos revealed a bronze lion's head vessel, dated to the late 7th century BCE. This unique artifact, interpreted as an external shell of a lion-headed cup, was found in a sealed deposition layer containing sanctuaries' waste, suggesting its use in ritual or ceremonial contexts. Analysis of its technical features and stylistic elements indicates local Samian craftsmanship, distinct from West Asian influences, despite some typological similarities to young-späthethitischen lion representations. The discovery provides new insights into the cultural exchanges and artistic developments in ancient Greece during this period.
Eine ithyphallische Bronzefigur spätgeometrischer Zeit aus dem Heraion von Samos
A rare, solid-cast bronze figurine depicting an ithyphallic figure was uncovered during archaeological excavations at the Heraion of Samos. Dating to approximately 630/620 BCE or slightly later, this artifact represents a significant find from a sealed deposition layer containing sanctuary waste, providing insight into the early stages of anthropomorphic bronze sculpture in ancient Samos. The study proposes that the figurine is a local Samian product from the late geometric period (late 8th to early 7th century BCE) based on technical analysis and stylistic comparisons. While its exact identification remains uncertain, it is believed to be an offering compatible with the cult of Hera, holding key importance in the development of Samian bronze art.
Do Nilo ao Egeu: a presença de estatuetas de divindades egípcias no Heraion de Samos
A shared reverence for fertility emerges as the key link between Egyptian deities and Hera, the polyadic goddess of Samos. This finding stems from a comparative analysis of Egyptian statuettes deposited at the Heraion of Samos during the late Geometric (9th–8th centuries BCE) to Archaic periods (6th century BCE). By cataloging these statuettes and contrasting their divine attributes with those of Hera, researchers identified fertility as a common element in the cult practices of both regions. The study highlights cross-cultural religious syncretism during this period, offering insights into the broader Mediterranean cultural landscape.
Pomegranates: What a Varied Voyage They Took
Archaeological evidence from the Heraion of Samos and the temple of Hera in Southern Italy reveals that pomegranates held significant symbolic meaning in Mycenaean and Archaic Greece, particularly in female jewelry, faience, clay containers, and goddess worship. The study traces the fruit's enduring cultural significance across ancient Mediterranean societies, from its association with fertility and feminine power to its adoption by Christian and Islamic traditions as a symbol of world domination and religious membership. By analyzing artifacts such as clay, wood, glass, and faience objects shaped like pomegranates, the research demonstrates the fruit's deep-rooted role in ritual practices, including offerings to deities, with modern-day worshippers at Foca del Sele still venerating 'La Madonna del Granato.'
The water supply of the Heraion of Samos
Research at the Heraion of Samos reveals that structures previously identified as cisterns are actually wine press collecting tanks, challenging long-held assumptions about their function. The study also documents 50 wells, including three distinct types: shaft wells (with masonry lining), groundwater flowing wells (unique to the site), and flowing wells, which likely supported a terracotta pipe system supplying water from Hellenistic to Roman times. This interdisciplinary project combines archaeological recording with diachronic analysis to reconstruct the sanctuary's water supply infrastructure.
Tracing Interaction on Samos Island: Pottery Traditions and Connectivity at Kastro-Tigani and the Heraion During the Aegean Late–Final Neolithic/Western Anatolian Middle–Late Chalcolithic
A new analysis of Neolithic and Chalcolithic pottery from Kastro-Tigani, Samos, reveals distinct production strategies and raw material sources, suggesting multiple local production units. This study, using thin-section petrography and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, provides the first compositional characterization of early Samian ceramics, offering insights into regional connectivity during a poorly studied period (c. 5500–3200/3000 BC). Isolated imported vessels and exotic artifacts indicate broader Aegean maritime interactions, while comparisons with nearby Heraion pottery hint at potential relations between these sites.
Bettina Kreuzer, Panathenäische Preisamphoren und rotfigurige Keramik aus dem Heraion von Samos
A comprehensive analysis of Panathenaic prize amphorae and red-figured pottery from the Heraion of Samos reveals significant insights into the craftsmanship, symbolism, and historical context of these artifacts. The study, conducted by Bettina Kreuzer, identifies distinct stylistic evolution and iconographic patterns in the pottery, linking them to specific athletic competitions and cultural practices during ancient times. By employing detailed typological and stylistic analysis, the research provides a nuanced understanding of the artistic and functional aspects of these vessels, contributing valuable data to the broader study of Greek ceramic traditions.
Crafting Across Time and Space: Artistic Exchange and Archaic Greek Sanctuaries in the Eastern Mediterranean
Archaic Greek sanctuaries, such as the Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos, were hubs for intercultural artistic exchange during the 7th and 6th centuries BCE. This study challenges the long-standing 'Orientalizing' paradigm by revealing that votive objects—previously dismissed as mere imports—were instead products of complex local production, reuse, and adaptation, reflecting dynamic interactions among craftspeople across the eastern Mediterranean. Through object biographies and material analysis, it demonstrates that these artifacts were not passive indicators of influence but active participants in intercultural dialogue, embodying unique votive meanings and processes of artistic transmission. The research shifts focus from origins to the tangible processes of craftsmanship, showing how raw materials, skilled knowledge, and finished products circulated, reshaping our understanding of artistic exchange in this period.
Faience Found in the Recent Excavations to the East of the Great Altar in the Samos Heraion
Recent excavations at the Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos have uncovered significant deposits of discarded votive faience objects, providing a rare sequence of datable layers spanning approximately 50 years before the construction of the Great Altar. This discovery sheds light on the ritual significance of faience in the sanctuary's landscape, revealing both direct links to Egyptian craftsmanship and a distinct 'mixed style' that blends Egyptian motifs with local traditions. While some objects, such as those resembling Bastet's sacred baskets, show clear Egyptian influences, others adopt a more imitative approach, suggesting a strong ritual symbolism. The findings indicate faience's role as a meaningful carrier in sacrificial practices, though its origins remain varied and complex.
Impacts of the 2020 Samos earthquake on the modeling of ancient seismic events
A striking pattern of seismic damage emerged from the 2020 Samos earthquake, challenging conventional models of isoseismal lines. Unlike typical earthquakes, this M7.0 event caused severe, localized destruction in multi-story buildings in İzmir—far from the epicenter—while sparing nearby areas like northern Samos. This unusual distribution suggests that similar patterns may have occurred during historical quakes in the region, potentially explaining large meizoseismal areas documented in ancient records. The findings also imply that monumental structures, such as Greek and Roman temples with long-period columns, which are usually resilient to seismic loads, can still suffer damage under amplified background accelerations—a phenomenon observed in the Heraion temple at Samos. By analyzing this earthquake's atypical effects, researchers propose a new framework for modeling ancient seismic events, offering insights into the vulnerability of heritage sites like Pythagoreion and Heraion.
Between East and West: Amorgian Pottery in Early Bronze Age Heraion (Samos)
A recent study of pottery from the Heraion of Samos, an Early Bronze Age site, reveals significant evidence of cross-cultural exchange between the Aegean and western Anatolia during the third millennium BC. By analyzing distinctive ceramic fabrics (blue and red schist/phyllite) and vessel types, such as collared jars and beaked jugs, researchers identified patterns of interaction that accelerated during the later phases of EB II. This marks the first secure provenance determination for suspected imported vessels using an integrated typological, morphological, macroscopic, and microscopic (ceramic petrography) methodology. The findings contribute to understanding the movement of goods and cultural exchange in this pivotal period.
Gottfried Gruben (†), Der Polykratische Tempel im Heraion von Samos
A comprehensive analysis of the Polykrat Temple within the Heraion of Samos, conducted by Gottfried Gruben, reveals significant insights into its architectural design and historical context. The study, published posthumously with contributions from Hermann J. Kienast, employs detailed examination of structural elements, inscriptions, and comparative architectural studies to unravel the temple's construction techniques and its role in ancient Greek religious practices. Key findings include the temple's innovative use of Doric order and its symbolic significance within the broader cultural landscape of Samos during the 6th century BCE. The work is enriched by 60 illustrations and 123 plates, providing a thorough visual documentation that supports the textual analysis.
Kult – Politik – Ethnos
Overregional sanctuaries, particularly in ancient Greece, played a pivotal role in shaping political structures and identities beyond the local polis. This collection of essays from an international colloquium reveals that polytheistic religious systems influenced political organization at multiple levels, including amphiktyonies (federal states) and broader alliances. It also highlights how religious authority and cultic practices served as tools for political legitimization, with case studies ranging from the Heraion of Samos to the Poseidon sanctuaries on the Peloponnese. The analysis extends beyond Greece to examine similar dynamics in early Latium, offering a comparative perspective on the interplay between religion, politics, and ethnic identity in ancient societies.
Pythagoras' Mathematics in Architecture and His Influence on Great Cultural Works
A groundbreaking analysis reveals that Pythagorean mathematical principles, particularly triples and harmonic proportions, were systematically applied in ancient temple designs as early as the 6th century BC. The study demonstrates this through the architectural layouts of the Athena temple at Paestum and the Polycratean temple of Heraion on Samos, showing unprecedented precision and alignment with Pythagorean philosophy. Additionally, it highlights the mathematical sophistication behind Eupalinos' tunnel engineering, suggesting a deep integration of mathematics into ancient Greek technical achievements. By comparing these structures to the Hellenistic temple of Apollo at Didyma, the research concludes that Pythagoras' geometric methods and proportional concepts were fully developed during his lifetime and later influenced architectural practices, persisting through Plato's ideas to modern times.
Samos, Griechenland. Notizen zu Samos während der NS-Zeit
During the NS occupation of Greece, archaeological sites on Samos faced significant risks due to looting and lawlessness. The study highlights how the Heraion of Samos, a key excavation site for the German Archaeological Institute (DAI), suffered during successive occupations by Italy, Britain, and Germany between 1941 and 1944. It documents the vulnerabilities of archaeological artefacts under wartime conditions, emphasizing the broader impact on cultural heritage in times of conflict.
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