Ancient Elina – Doimokastro

It is also called Ermokastro, Elinoken, ELIMOKastro or D (h) Lamokastro. “The archaeological site of Domokastro is located on a hill south of Karavostasi, Perdika Thesprotia. It is a founded paralial settlement, which has been identified by Hammond and S. Dakaris with Ancient Elina, referring to a lead inscription from Dodoni. The name is a derivative of the National Beetie Name, known by Stefanos Byzantios Thesprotional Gender, which is considered to live in the area of ​​Margariti – Plataria – Perdika. The settlement settlement is created during the period of late classical times. Most of the walls were built during the late 4th BC. century (1,600 m percentage), at the same time as those of other major ancient settlements of Thesprotia, Mercy, Lega and Livaritis (Dolianis). During this period, the extent of the fortified settlement was about seventy acres.
During the Hellenistic era, fortification extends to the west, enclosing an additional area of ​​one hundred and fifty acres and ending on the coast, in a quite insured small harbor, the Greek ladder. The settlement flourishes during the 3rd and 2nd c. e.g. In 167 BC. It was destroyed after the attack of the Roman Legions of Emilios Pavlos, but, as opposed, with other fortified settlements of Thesprotia – alone his crucial position for the control of Ionian Marine Roads – was not abandoned, but continued to be inhabited in the 1st century. e.g. and up to the 1st century. A.D. The location of the fortified settlement is excellent, next to Corabostasi bay, which in antiquity should have entered deeper to Kampos, creating a large natural harbor, as it says its newer name. From the settlement itself, which seemed to be facing the sea, there is excellent views to the southern part of Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos and Lefkada. Since the summer of 2000, after the detection of three smugglers at the highest point of fortification, a salvage excavation began in the ancient settlement. This investigation continued in the years 2001 ~ 2002 and led to some partial revelation of some of the partially visuals. During the years 2002-2008, the emergence works were held in the area, which focused on the two upper “acropolises” of the settlement and included, among other things, cleaning from the orterish vegetation, the removal of the lithes and the surface threads that covered the walls and ancient Buildings, shaping the route of visitors, mounting walls of ancient buildings, the placement of protective shots and the maintenance of numerous mobile finds. The fortified settlement of the Domokastro, which grows in the smooth part of the hill, south of Karavostasi, Perdika, has an area of ​​220 acres and a total Wall Perimeter of 3,400 m. The wall surrounds the settlement from the Eastern and North Side, while the South and Western , natural forts and inaccessible, are protected by a wall on their only points. The fortification consists of three consecutive departments, in which the first S. Dorkar site designer gave conventional names: the two east (AK and B), with a perimeter 1,600 m, are chronologically included in the 4th century. BC, while West (Acropolis C), with a perimeter 1,400 m, is built during Hellenistic times. Fortification, elaborate construction in its larger part, is saved in good condition. The walls, made of local limestone, follow the polygonal masonry system and the best surviving part reaches a height of 4 m, while their thickness ranged between 2 – 4 m. Towers and cries enhance their defensive capacity. The main gate of the settlement is located at the southeastern end of the Acropolis A, while a second layer at the northwest end of the termination of the top of the hill served the transition from Acropolis A to Her Acropolis B. Additions, located at various points Fortification would allow the three acropolis communication, while another gate is probably placed on the northwest end of the Acropolis C to ensure communication with the ancient harbor in Skala Hellenic. Acropolis A is the predominantly structured part of the ancient settlement and, according to all the indications, its residential and administrative core. Its spatial planning was not based on organized urban planning, but was determined by the natural soil formation. The settlement is developed on artificially shaped andes held by strong remasional walls and crossed by a road network. The buildings were made of native limestone, often partly or whole carved in the natural rock, most with rectangular or banknote top view, and some in a more complex form, whose spaces are growing around a peristyle courtyard. Buildings with a diligent construction usually had pebble floors and walls covered with colored coatings. For the commercial activities of the residents intended a gallery at the northern end of the Acropolis A. A second gallery a little south is associated with a wider assembly of a religious character, consisting of two small two-room temples with pronaois and beep. A more sanctuary of the settlement is located on Acropolis B and has a tripartite interior division and two auxiliary rooms. In the east there is a carved altar rock. A particular feature of the settlement is the three, carved in the rock, circular tanks for the concentration of rainwater.
The image of the habitation complements the taffle tumulus, part of the ancient cemetery, located at the foot of the hill, outside the walls. ” “The area is accessible by road, through the paved provincial road that leads to Karavostasi beach of Perdika Thesprotia, from which it is about 5 km and then through a dirt road. Alternative Trail Path leads from Karavostasi Beach to the archaeological site. ” It is an outdoor area, constantly open. Suggested activities:
• You can rest and enjoy your swim in Karavostasi Beach, and then continue to eat either in the taverns of the area or in the village of Perdika, which will enjoy the magnificent scenery of Thesprotika and the blue of the sea.