Conducted between 1980 and 1983, the Fouilles archéologiques à Khostia en Béotie (FaKB) was the first excavation project authorized under the auspices of the newly-founded Canadian Archaeological Institute at Athens, and was carried out in collaboration with the 9th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities of Boeotia. Directed by John Fossey (McGill University), the Khostia project focused on systematic investigation of the site’s acropolis and lower town, as well as the industrial zone identified at the southernmost edge of the settlement.
Scattered prehistoric finds indicate that Khostia was occupied intermittently from the Middle Neolithic period onwards, with site activity greatly intensifying in the later Classical period. This phase saw significant urban development and the construction of extensive ashlar fortifications defining the limits of both the acropolis and lower town. These defenses remained in use into the Hellenistic period, after which the site was destroyed and subsequently abandoned for several centuries until the Late Roman period. During the site’s final phase of occupation in the 5th century CE, the partially destroyed fortifications were reinforced in a poor mortared style and new buildings were constructed using material from the collapsed city walls. This phase continued until the end of the Late Roman period with another destruction accompanied by widespread fire. During both the Hellenistic and Roman occupations there is evidence that olive cultivation and sheep rearing for wool were important industries.
Select Bibliography
Fossey, John M. ed. 1986. Khostia I: Resultats des exploration et fouilles canadiennes à Khostia, Grèce Centrale. I : Etudes Diverses. McGill University Monographs in Classical Archaeology and History 5. Amsterdam: J.C. Gieben.
Morin, J. 2004. Khostia II: The Bronze Age. McGill University Monographs in Classical Archaeology and History. Chicago: Ares Publishers.
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