ATHENS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The remains of an ancient temple have been unearthed during archaeological excavations in western Greece, the Culture and Sports ministry announced on Wednesday.
The temple was found near ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
Archaeologists from the local Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia and the Austrian Archaeological Institute believe that they have discovered the famous sanctuary of Poseidon, the god of the sea in Ancient Greek mythology.
In one of his works, the ancient Greek geographer, historian and philosopher Strabo referred to the sanctuary as an important religious center for the region.
Strabo wrote that the sanctuary was located near the sea, under the acropolis of Samiko city.
The archaeologists have unearthed part of the foundations of a large building, tiles, and a fragment of a marble water basin of the type used for ritual washing. The discoveries are estimated to date back to the Archaic Period (7th to 6th century BC). ■
