Excavations at Kolona have brought to light a group of gold objects dating to the Middle Bronze Age. The site lies on the Greek island of Aegina, near the modern harbour in the island’s north-west.
The find was made during the 2025 excavation season within a substantial stone structure, situated close to a defensive wall associated with the settlement’s expansion. The area lies just beyond what is commonly identified as the inner zone of the prehistoric town.
Among the finds are several types of small gold ornaments. These include disc-shaped pendants, both single and double-sided, along with biconical and cylindrical elements. Thin gold plaques were also recovered, together with beads made of carnelian. The pieces appear to belong to a single item of jewellery, likely a necklace or pendant.
Preservation is good, which has allowed the shapes and details to remain clear. In the same area, archaeologists identified fragments of copper. These are thought to come from small tools such as knives, as well as a pin or needle.
The exact circumstances of deposition are uncertain. The soil layers had been disturbed, so the original setting cannot be reconstructed with confidence. Even so, the group is consistent with objects placed in a burial context. No grave structure has been identified nearby.
Some of the gold pieces show similarities to objects associated with the so-called Aegina Treasure. That collection, believed to come from the island, is now held by the British Museum after leaving Greece in the 19th century. The newly found items may provide useful points of comparison.
Kolona has a long sequence of occupation. While widely known for the remains of a temple of Apollo from the 6th century BC, the site also includes much earlier settlement layers. Later phases extend into the Byzantine period, showing repeated use of the same location over time.
The current work is being directed by Alexander Sokolicek of the University of Salzburg, in cooperation with the Austrian Archaeological Institute in Athens and under the supervision of Greek heritage authorities.
Further study of the objects is planned. Attention will be given to how they were made and to the origin of the materials, which may shed light on exchange networks in the Aegean during the second millennium BC.
Sources : Greek Ministry of Culture
