Tunnel cut through floor of Grave 22 in late winter of 2004

Apart from the implementation of a theoretical program through field research to explore certain interpretive themes, a fundamental goal of KCP is the preservation of invaluable cultural resources. The protection of cultural heritage is an important responsibility of any archaeological endeavor. The cemetery north of the harbor at Kenchreai, especially the portion on the Koursongila ridge, is in grave and immediate danger of destruction by illicit activities, including looting, dumping of garbage, and vandalism. Staff members of KCP have documented nearly 300 discrete events of clandestine excavation apparently dating back several decades. These various activities employing either hand tools or large machinery have torn out ancient funerary contexts and overturned architecture. Moreover, environmental processes threaten the preservation of the most fragile of the archaeological remains on the ridge, the painted plaster in chamber tombs. KCP in collaboration with the 37th EPKA has drafted emergency measures for improving the total security of the site; the conservation of wall-painting and the erection of roofing to protect certain tombs is already underway. Furthermore, KCP and the Ephoreia are considering the transformation of the cemetery into an archaeological park connected with the harbor and the improvement of the ridge for public visitation. On account of the richness of the mortuary remains, the historical importance of Kenchreai, and its exceptional beauty of the natural setting, the cemetery on Koutsongila should be open for enjoyment and education both today and in the future.

Litter from inside Tomb 22 (2004)	Equipment left by recent looter	Hole in fence surrounding site