The Eastern Boeotia Archaeological Project is a collaboration between the Ephorate of Antiquities of Boeotia (EAB) and the Canadian Institute in Greece, co-directed by Alexandra Charami (EAB), Brendan Burke (University of Victoria), and Bryan Burns (Wellesley College). Initiated in 2007 as a pedestrian survey of the plains surrounding Arma, Eleon, and Tangara, the project shifted focus between 2011 and 2018 to excavate the acropolis of ancient Eleon, situated near the modern village of Arma. Excavations are continuing from 2023 to 2027.
The long-term goals of the project are to clarify the development of Eleon by investigating land use, settlement patterns, and burial practices during three major phases of activity: the Mycenaean phase, the Archaic and Classical periods, and the late medieval phase (14th – 16th centuries CE). Among the most significant discoveries to date is the ‘Blue Stone Structure,’ a funerary monument containing an assemblage of early Mycenaean graves covered by a low tumulus. Linear B references and excavation data suggest that by the Late Helladic period, Eleon was likely administered by palatial Thebes, with post-collapse remains indicating continuous occupation through the Submycenaean period, despite destruction. After a phase of abandonment, renewed investment in the site is evident in the construction of a complex polygonal wall in the late Archaic period, accompanied by an abundance of Archaic-Classical material that points to intensive ritual and cult activity on the acropolis.
Select Bibliography
Aravantinos, V., B. Burke, B. Burns, Y. Fappas, S. Lupack, & C.M. MacKay. 2016. “Eastern Boeotia Archaeological Project 2007-2010: The Intensive Surface Survey – Eleon.” Mouseion 13.2: 293-357.
Burke, B., B. Burns, & A. Charami. 2014. “The Polygonal Wall at Ancient Eleon and the Eastern Boeotia Archaeological Project.” 249-264. In Meditations on the Diversity of the Built Environment in the Aegean Basin and Beyond. Proceedings of a Colloquium In Memorium of Dr. Frederick E. Winter, Canadian Institute in Greece, June 22-23, 2012. D.W. Rupp & J.E. Tomlinson eds. Publications of the Canadian Institute in Greece 8. Athens: Canadian Institute in Greece
Burke, B., B. Burns, A. Charami, T. Van Damme, N. Herrmann, & B. Lis. 2020. “Excavations at Ancient Eleon in Boeotia 2011-2018.” American Journal of Archaeology 124: 441-76.
Burke, B. & B. Burns eds. 2022. Special Issue on Ancient Eleon in Boeotia: Reports on Excavations, 2011–2015. Mouseion 18.1.
Gaggioli, A. & T. Van Damme. 2025. “Geoarchaeology of an Early Mycenaean Tumulus and Mortuary Practices at Eleon, Greece.” Geoarchaeology 40.1: e22037.
For more information, visit: https://ebapexcavations.org/
