ML04. SEARCHING FOR ACHILLES

Of all the Mycenaean palaces mentioned by Homer in the Iliad, the only two that have not been located so far are the palaces of the two protagonists of the Homeric epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey: the palace of Achilles in Phthia and that of Odysseus in Ithaca. The Mycenaean Spercheios-Valley Archaeological project combines archaeogeophysical survey, excavation, and digital technology to evaluate an excellent candidate for a potential regional palatial center on the ancient citadel (Akrolamia) of Lamia, Greece. In the summer of 2019, a test trench was dug on the Akrolamia to begin verifying if this is indeed a palatial site, and possibly the long- lost palace of Achilles. Mr. Wagman was a member of the excavation team and will discuss the Mycenaean civilization in general, and the 2019 dig season results from Akrolamia.