Old Excavations, New Interpretations: The 2008-2013 Seasons of The Ohio State University Excavations at Isthmia

by Jon M. Frey and Timothy E. Gregory

Hesperia, Volume 85, Issue 3
Page(s): 437-490
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2972/hesperia.85.3.0437
Year: 2016
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ABSTRACT:

As the study of the Roman Bath nears completion, researchers at The Ohio State University Excavations at Isthmia have turned their attention to the larger context of this structure within the Sanctuary of Poseidon. A careful study of excavation records since the 1970s has uncovered evidence for buildings that predate the Roman Bath and prompts a reinterpretation of previous scholars' work. We argue that the construction of the bath was part of a more general renovation of the sanctuary, which likely involved the creation of a porticoed gymnasium. Most importantly, this report demonstrates that projects with long histories can make significant contributions to our understanding of sites through the study and publication of previously excavated evidence.