Excavation in 1990,1991, 1992 and 1996 took place within the part of the acropolis of Halai set aside and fenced off by the Greek Archaeological Service. For purposes of recording, this part of the acropolis has been divided into ten Areas designated A, B, C, etc. The earliest excavation campaigns were especially concerned with the earliest and latest occupations of the site, the Neolithic and the Late Roman/Early Byzantine. Subsequently excavations also focussed on the remains of the Archaic period (Area A) and, although to a lesser extent, on those of the Hellenistic period.

After four full seasons of excavations at Halai, two hundred square meters of the Neolithic levels in Area F are now exposed and we also excavated a substantial sample of the earliest deposits, immediately above bedrock. Neolithic occupation extends from early Middle Neolithic to early Late Neolithic I. A massive LN stone structure was perhaps a bounding wall. Twenty-six radiocarbon samples have been analyzed.

Investigation of Archaic structures in Area A suggest that they were of public character. One contained layers of mudbrick or debris from mudbrick. Beside it are mysterious circular stone platforms, one deliberately covered with "turkey wing" shells (pinna nobilis). Near the end of the Archaic period, the town was probably destroyed and at least partly abandoned.

Dense Hellenistic occupation in Areas C and H ends about the time of the reported destruction by Sulla. Early and Middle Roman occupation was scanty. In Late Roman times the site was used for Christian worship and burial. A test trench in the basilica church revealed parts of a colorful 6th century mosaic with panels of birds, including an eagle with halo. The dromos of a well-built tomb in Area H contained 6th century North African lamps with Christian symbols.

Intensive study of finds took place in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1997-2002.

Last modified 2.5.98