2025 identification of Odysseus sanctuary on Ithaca. In 2025, archaeologists from the University of Ioannina reassessing finds from the School of Homer (Agios Athanasios) in northern Ithaca identified it as a sanctuary of Odysseus The site yielded an incised dedication reading 'To Odysseus' and two roof tile stamps reading 'Of Odysseus' dating to the late Hellenistic period Other finds included a small bronze bust of Odysseus from the Roman period, 34 fragments of clay votives, loom weights, gold and bronze jewelry, and over 100 coins from multiple city-states

🏛️ In 2025, University of Ioannina archaeologists identified a sanctuary of Odysseus on northern Ithaca. Finds include dedications "To Odysseus," tile stamps reading "Of Odysseus," a bronze bust, and 100+ coins. The site served as a hero cult shrine for over 1,000 years, visited by pilgrims across the Mediterranean.

Key Facts

  • In 2025, archaeologists from the University of Ioannina reassessing finds from the School of Homer (Agios Athanasios) in northern Ithaca identified it as a sanctuary of Odysseus
  • The site yielded an incised dedication reading 'To Odysseus' and two roof tile stamps reading 'Of Odysseus' dating to the late Hellenistic period
  • Other finds included a small bronze bust of Odysseus from the Roman period, 34 fragments of clay votives, loom weights, gold and bronze jewelry, and over 100 coins from multiple city-states
  • The site functioned as a religious center for over 1,000 years, from the 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century CE
  • Researchers concluded the site was a shrine to the hero cult of Odysseus known as the Odysseum, visited by locals and pilgrims across the Mediterranean
  • Early 20th century excavations in a seaside cavern on northwest Ithaca found bronze cauldrons dating to the 9th or 8th centuries BCE, evoking gifts from the Phaeacians in the Odyssey
  • A clay mask fragment from approximately 100 BCE inscribed with 'a vow to Odysseus' was also found in the cave, indicating a hero cult operating for hundreds of years

Related site: School of Homer Ag. Athanasios exc. (Ithaca) — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.

Source: Do These 10 #Artifacts Transform The Trojan War from Myth into Reality? by Inside Archaeology