Archaeology in Greece, 1925–26

Abstract

This article summarises all excavations in Greek lands of which particulars have reached me since the completion of my report published a year ago.American SchoolAt Corinth, Professor T. L. Shear continued his excavations at the Theatre, and at the presumed site of the Sanctuary of Athena Chalinitis. At the former, he has now cleared the entire Orchestra, with the Parodoi leading into it, and uncovered the front part of the stage and the lower rows of the cavea. The wall painted with life-sized figures of men and beasts, which was found in 1925, has now been all laid bare, and on it are preserved novel and interesting scenes in brilliant colours. In one case, a bull, richly bedecked with ribbons and fillets, has rushed on the extended spear held by a crouching gladiator, and blood is shown streaming from a wound in its throat. In another scene, which represents an acrobat making a pole-vault over the back of a charging leopard, both man and beast are depicted at the moment when they are in the air. In another, an athlete, with hands on the ground and head raised, is about to spring over the back of a huge charging lion.