Dimini
has provided the most complete picture of a Neolithic settlement up to now. The
archaeological site was initially known for the remains of a Neolithic settlement
on the hill. The pottery found there consists the dating basis for the Late Neolithic
subperiods in the whole hellenic area. The use of the enclosures (periboloi) surrounding
the settlement has been particularly discussed.
Nowadays, apart from the Neolithic settlement (5th millenium B.C.),
a very important large Mycenaean settlement has been discovered, which has been
identified as ancient Iolkos, the city of Jason. A well-constructed wide road
and many houses have been brought to light. The excavations of this settlement
are still in process.
Excavations in the Neolithic settlement took place at the beginning
of the century by V. Stais and Chr. Tsountas (1901-1903). The excavation of the
tholos tomb on the hill took place in 1901 by V. Stais. The Mycenaean tholos tomb
(known as "Lamiospito") was excavated in 1886 by Lolling and Wolters. In 1977
Prof. G. Chourmouziadis continued the excavation of the Neolithic settlement.
The excavation of the Mycenaean settlement started in 1980 by V. Adrymi-Sismani
and is still being continued.
The most important monuments of the site are:
The large, well-organized
Late
Neolithic settlement. It lies 5 km. SW of Volos and follows a primitive
town-planning. The area uncovered is extensive; houses were excavated on the hill,
surrounded by enclosure walls, built in pairs around the hill. The settlement
was inhabited from the end of the 5th millennium B.C. onwards.
Mycenaean settlement
SW of the hill of the Neolithic site. The large settlement, occupies an area of
more than 25 acres and has been identified by the excavator with ancient Iolkos.
"Megaroid" houses were built with the same orientation on either side of a wide
street. The settlement is dated to the 15-12th centuries B.C.
Mycenean tholos
tomb. It lies NW of the hill with the Neolithic settlement and should
be attributed to the kings of the Mycenean settlement. It is large, well-built,
with a relieving triangle and a built larnax inside the chamber. The upper part
of the structure has collapsed. It is dated to the Late Helladic IIIB2 period
(second half of the 13th century B.C.).
Mycenean tholos tomb ("Lamiospito"). It lies 300 m. west of the hill of
the Neolithic settlement and is preserved in rather good condition. Even though
it was plundered, it yielded rich finds, such as gold jewellery, beads and necklaces
of glass-paste, ivory items and bronze weapons. It is dated to the Late Helladic
IIIA2 period (second half of the 14th century B.C.).
