MESSINIAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH CENTER
This project proposes an intervention in integrating new uses
in an abandoned village, Potamia Trifylia in the area of Kontovounia in
Messenia. Under examination is a model for the revival and new use of
an old village, an intervention of planning that can be useful also for
other abandoned villages in the same mountainous region. What we
propose for the revival of Potamia is a purely cultural and education
function, which is compatible with the particular archaeological
interest of the area of Messenia.
Messenia is one of the most
important archaeological regions of Greece, particularly insofar as its
prehistoric past is concerned. During the Last Helladic Period Messenia
had the densest urban settlement in Greece. The large number of vaulted
tombs is unequalled in any other region of the Mycenaean world. The
most ancient vaulted tomb in continental Greece has been found here. We
propose, therefore, the village of Potamia as a base for archaeological
research, mainly because it is located in the geographic center of
Messenia.
The aim of the "Messenia Archaeological Research Center"
(MARC) is to be a more systematic continuation of the in-depth inquiry
that has already begun in the prefecture. Fundamentally, it will serve
as a base for archaeological campaigns for intensive survey and a
center for the general co-ordination and over-all organization of
archaeological activities. An Archive with all the archaeological sites
of all the time periods will be supplemented in depth on a daily basis.
A specialized Library focusing on issues concerning Messenia's
archaeology and history will be at the disposal of visitors. Moreover,
lectures, announcements and organization of special professional
congresses will take place in the premises of MARC.