A new Topographical and Architectural Survey of the Sanctuary of Zeus at Mount Lykaion

Abstract

During the summer of 1996 a team from the Mediterranean Section of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology undertook a computerized above-ground topographical and architectural survey of the sanctuary of Zeus at Mount Lykaion. The objective of the survey was to create, by means of an electronic total station survey, a new and highly accurate map of the above ground and visible architectural components of the sanctuary including the areas of the ash altar, the temenos and the bases for the columns of Zeus on the southern peak of Mount Lykaion. Also included were the monuments, buildings and structures of the high mountain plateau located below the southern peak, including the xenon, stoa, area of seats and statue bases, fountain houses, hippodrome, stadium and bath facility. The survey has been keyed to the 1 : 5000 topographical maps from the Geographical Service of the Greek Army (ΓΥΣ). The survey project has produced an accurate map of the sanctuary and has also generated questions and thoughts for future work.