Argilos - Epigraphical Evidence
Very few inscriptions have been found in Argilos and they consist mainly of graffiti inscribed on vases or sherds, amphoras, roof tiles, coins. However, one inscription is recorded on a marble stele.

The identification of the site as Argilos was confirmed by a graffito scratched on a large lekane before it was fired. As always on sherds, the text was fragmentary. It reads as ]ΕΝΑΡΚΙΛΙΟ[ but can be completed as ANEΘEK]EN APKIΛIO[Σ which means that the vase was dedicated by someone from Argilos.

Graffito on large lekane

Graffiti found on roof tiles are an indication that the building was in public use, while the legends on coins give the name of the city which produced them. In the case of Argilos, its name was written with a « K » (ARKILIOS) in antiquity.

The only inscription on marble that has been found is in honor of ΔΙΟΣ KATAIΒATOΥ. It is the Zeus who reigns on top of mountains and is responsible for many natural phenomenons such as lightning and thunder. The inscription was engraved on a marble stele which was discovered along the eastern wall of the hellenistic mansion. The stele was placed in one of the window lintels which means that part of the building had previously been destroyed. One may assume that the destruction of the mansion was due to lightning.

Inscription on marble stele