New and significant findings about the historical and cultural development of Ithaca have emerged from the University of Ioannina’s research program at the major archaeological site of Agios Athanasios—known as the "School of Homer"—in the island’s northern region, according to an announcement from the Greek Ministry of Culture.

The research, which began in 2018, involves the management, further documentation, and promotion of the finds from the systematic excavations carried out between 1994 and 2011 under the late Associate Professor Litsa Kontorli-Papadopoulou and Professor Emeritus Athanasios Papadopoulos. The new program is led by Professor Emeritus Giannos G. Lolos, with key contributions from Dr. Christina Marambea, an archaeologist at the University of Ioannina.

Notably, Athanasios Papadopoulos once stated in an interview that he was convinced the site was, in fact, the palace of Odysseus himself. He said:
"Sadly, since 2011, the authorities have let the site fall into neglect. I doubt they’ll ever publicly declare that Odysseus’ palace has been found. Back in the 1990s, I was pressured to make that claim, but I never did—because I hadn’t yet gathered enough evidence."

Read the conclusions drawn by the late archaeologist who, together with her husband, made the initial discovery:

In the nearby village of Stavros, a striking reconstruction of the palace by Italian architect Bruno Mazzali stands in the town square—a visual reminder that something truly significant may once have occurred in this otherwise idyllic location. The reconstruction is based on the archaeological findings and aligns in several aspects with descriptions from Homer’s epic.

The site—called the "School of Homer" since the early 19th century—is centered around a large rocky outcrop on the eastern slopes of Exogi, in an area with natural springs. Excavated remains are located on two terraces, connected by two carved staircases, as well as in lower-lying areas. On the upper terrace stands the remains of a Hellenistic-era tower (3rd century BC), while the lower terrace is largely occupied by a massive rectangular building.

Evidence of human activity at the site now dates back to the Final Neolithic period (late 5th/4th millennium BC). Finds include dozens of flint tools and several hundred pottery fragments. Regarding the Bronze Age, dozens of fragments from around 30 distinct vessels dating to the late 14th and 13th centuries BC have been identified.

A particularly important discovery is a fully preserved subterranean spring/reservoir, constructed with corbelled masonry. It’s one of the few known examples of its kind. Based on its shape, construction techniques, and the presence of Late Mycenaean drinking cup fragments inside, researchers—past and present—strongly believe it dates to the Mycenaean palatial period.

The Mycenaean installation at the School of Homer likely served as an administrative center overseeing ports and lands, as well as managing and protecting the area’s abundant water resources. It appears to be part of a network of 7–8 Mycenaean sites in the fertile, harbor-rich northwest Ithaca. This network seems to loosely define the larger urban (traditionally Odyssean) core of the island during the Mycenaean palatial era (14th–13th century BC).

In later historical periods, most of the ceramic finds date to the Hellenistic and early Roman times (up to the 1st/2nd century AD). Among the many large vessel shards, eight fragments of perirrhanteria (ritual basins typically used in sanctuaries) have been identified.

Beyond a wealth of small objects, the finds also include:

34 clay votive offering fragments
Several dozen clay spindle whorls
A small hoard of gold jewelry
Other mainly bronze items and adornments
Over 100 coins from various cities (3rd century BC to 2nd century AD), indicating a flow of visitors to the site.

Among the thousands of Hellenistic and early Roman roof tile fragments currently being sorted and cleaned, 14 bear stamped inscriptions in Greek and Latin. One is marked with a partially preserved inscription and the Greek letter Δ—possibly denoting “public” ownership. Another is stamped with the mirrored Greek letters ΔΗ (possibly an abbreviation for “public”). Two others contain parts of the name of Apollo Agyieus, suggesting a local cult of the god.

From recent analysis emerged a stamped tile fragment of major significance: it bears the name [OD]YSSEUS (in the genitive case) in reverse. Another fragment features an inscribed votive dedication, likely in the dative case—perhaps made by a pilgrim: ODYS[SEI].

As part of their interpretation, researchers considered finds from W. Vollgraff’s 1904 excavation on the upper terrace. Among them are Late Roman-era items, including a miniature bronze bust believed to represent Odysseus, consistent with depictions in Greco-Roman art and on Ithacan coins from the 4th–3rd century BC.

The complex appears to have been in active use from the Hellenistic through to the early/mid Roman periods (up to the 1st/2nd century AD). It features robust terrace constructions, striking stone-cut architecture, and niches likely used for dedications or inscriptions—evidence of intense ritual activity, especially in the lower terrace.

The Hellenistic monumental complex can now be confidently identified as the Odysseion of Ithaca, believed to have included a sanctuary or hero shrine dedicated to Odysseus. This site is mentioned in a decree of the Ithacans around 207 BC from Magnesia in Asia Minor [IG IX 12 4, 1729], which also references the associated athletic contests (Odysseia). The nature and exact location of the Odysseion have been subjects of scholarly debate since the 1930s.

Today, nearly a century after the discovery of the inscribed phrase EUXĒN ODYSSEI ("A vow to Odysseus") on a fragment of a clay mask from the Late Hellenistic period found in a cave at Polis Bay, two new inscriptions from the same era—ODYSSĒOS and ODYSSĒI—further support the later cult worship of the hero in northwest Ithaca. Combined with the wealth of archaeological data, these finds confirm the development of a prominent public complex with a major role in the religious, social, and possibly political life of the Ithacans during the Hellenistic and early Roman periods. It also likely served as a broader pilgrimage site.

The University of Ioannina’s North Ithaca Research Project was initially carried out from 2018 to 2022 under a Cultural Development Agreement (with the Municipality of Ithaca, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Kefalonia and Ithaca—led by Dr. Gr. Grigorakakis—University of Ioannina, and the Ionian Islands Region), thanks to the support of Ithaca’s Mayor, Mr. D. Stanitsas.

It continues intensively today through the University’s Research Committee, supported by a generous donation from Dr. D. G. Apostolopoulos and Dr. A. Païzi-Apostolopoulou, both retired Research Directors of the National Hellenic Research Foundation.

Participating archaeologists include:
Prof. Emeritus G. G. Lolos (Scientific Director), Dr. Chr. Marambea, Dr. St. Oikonomidis, Dr. K.-A. Tsonos, and D. Syrmalis (MA). Also contributing are Dr. E. Kardara (Conservator), Chr. Vaporakis (Conservation Advisor), Th. Deligianni (Chemist), D. Skyrgiannis (Architect), K. Gkanas (Civil Engineer), and A. Notia (Philologist).

Specialist studies are carried out in collaboration with Prof. Emerita K. Liambi (Ancient History) and former Associate Professor A. Vlachopoulou (Classical Archaeology), with vital advisory input from Ch. Kritzas, Honorary Director of the Epigraphic Museum.