“Dodona, the most ancient oracle in Hellas” (Herodotus 2.52.2)

 The oracle at Dodona, according to the literary tradition the oldest in Greece, is currently the most important organised archaeological site in Epirus. A place where people from throughout Greece could seek counsel, this celebrated sanctuary developed into a truly impressive complex of religious and administrative structures.

As the poet Hesiod had it, the place was well-loved by Zeus, who “appointed it to be his oracle”.

The literal and metaphorical heart of Zeus’ cult was the sacred oak, the fagus, which possessed oracular capabilities according to a wealth of references in ancient Greek literature.

Prior to its discovery in the modern day, the site of the Dodona Sanctuary was a mystery that intrigued foreign travellers and Greek intellectuals alike,

The first large-scale excavations at the site were carried out by K. Karapanos, a local Epirote (1875-1876) who received the necessary permits from the Ottoman authorities. In 1875 he uncovered the long-lost Sanctuary and confirmed its position. Also crucial to the study of the place is the work of D. Evangelidis, who continued in-situ research around the Sanctuary. S. Dakaris, the prominent and unorthodox archaeologist who made Epirus his focus of study, brought to light a wealth of new evidence regarding the public structures of the Dodona Sanctuary until his passing in 1996. His discoveries and work gave future generations a glimpse into moments and episodes from the History of the Epirotes.