Director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia at Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Greece.
Erofili-Iris Kolia is a distinguished Greek archaeologist specializing in Classical Archaeology and cultural heritage preservation. She holds a Ph.D. from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, focusing on Hellenistic pottery from Naxos. Since 1993, she has been serving as an archaeologist at the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, overseeing major excavations and conservation projects. She has directed excavations at Ancient Keryneia and co-directed research at the Temple of Poseidon Heliconius. As the head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia, she supervises UNESCO-listed sites, including Ancient Olympia and the Temple of Epikourius Apollo.
Professional Profile:
Google Scholar
Suitability for the Best Researcher Award 🏆
Dr. Erofili-Iris Kolia is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her extensive contributions to Classical Archaeology, excavation methodologies, and cultural heritage preservation. Her leadership in archaeological research, particularly in excavations at Ancient Keryneia and the Temple of Poseidon Heliconius, has significantly advanced our understanding of Hellenistic and ancient Greek civilizations.
Education & Experience 🎓🔍
✅ BA in Archaeology & History of Art – National & Kapodistrian University of Athens (1990)
✅ MA in Classical Archaeology – National & Kapodistrian University of Athens (1993)
✅ Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology – National & Kapodistrian University of Athens (2000) 📖 (Hellenistic Pottery from Naxos)
✅ Archaeologist (since 1993) – Hellenic Ministry of Culture 🏺
✅ Director of Excavations – Ancient Keryneia, Temple of Poseidon Heliconius 🏗️
✅ Former Director – Ephorates of Patras, Kefallinia, and Ithaka (2011-2015) 🏛️
✅ Current Director – Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia (since 2015) 🌍
Professional Development 📚🏛️
Erofili-Iris Kolia has played a pivotal role in archaeological research, heritage conservation, and site management in Greece. As Director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia, she oversees the preservation of world-renowned UNESCO sites, ensuring their sustainable management and global recognition. She has led major excavations, uncovering historical artifacts that provide insights into ancient Greek civilization. Her extensive academic contributions include research papers on cultural heritage, archaeological methodologies, and excavation findings. She actively participates in international conferences, fostering collaborations with global experts to advance archaeological practices and heritage preservation. Her book on Hellenistic Pottery from Naxos remains a significant contribution to Classical Archaeology.
Research Focus 🔬🏺
Erofili-Iris Kolia’s research primarily revolves around Classical Archaeology, with a focus on Hellenistic pottery, excavation methodologies, and cultural heritage preservation. Her work involves the systematic study of ancient artifacts, site excavations, and analysis of material culture from significant Greek archaeological sites. She specializes in the conservation of historical monuments, ensuring their protection for future generations. Her leadership in excavations at Ancient Keryneia and the Temple of Poseidon Heliconius has provided new insights into ancient Greek religion and daily life. She also contributes to international discussions on heritage management and archaeological ethics, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical landmarks in a rapidly evolving world.
Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️
🏅 Director of Major Greek Archaeological Ephorates (Patras, Kefallinia, Ithaka, Ilia)
🏅 Leader of UNESCO World Heritage Site Preservation (Ancient Olympia, Temple of Epikourius Apollo)
🏅 Published Author – Hellenistic Pottery from Naxos (2006) 📖
🏅 Keynote Speaker & Research Presenter at International Archaeological Conferences 🌍
🏅 Recognized Expert in Cultural Heritage Conservation & Excavation Methodologies 🏛️
Publication Top Notes
-
Detection and localization of chamber tombs in the environs of ancient Olympia, Peloponnese, Greece, based on a combination of archaeological survey and geophysical prospection
- Authors: L. Obrocki, B. Eder, H.J. Gehrke, F. Lang, A. Vött, T. Willershäuser, K. Rusch, …
- Citations: 9
- Year: 2019
-
A multi-dimensional space: Olympia and its environs: Results of the campaigns 2015 to 2017 and first historical conclusions
- Authors: B. Eder, H.J. Gehrke, E.I. Kolia, F. Lang, L. Obrocki, A. Vött
- Citations: 3
- Year: 2025
-
The “Lake of Olympia”: geoarchaeological evidence of a lake environment in the vicinity of ancient Olympia (western Peloponnese, Greece)
- Authors: L. Slabon, L. Obrocki, P. Fischer, T. Willershäuser, F. Lang, H.J. Gehrke, …
- Citations: 2
- Year: 2023
-
A Previously Unknown Building Structure in Ancient Olympia (Western Peloponnese, Greece) Revealed by Geoarchaeological Investigations and Its Interpretation as a Possible Harbor
- Authors: L. Slabon, S. Bäumler, E. Appel, S. Fiedler, P. Fischer, L. Obrocki, …
- Citations: 1
- Year: 2025
-
OLYMPIA: RECENT RESEARCH AT THE GYMNASIUM, AN EMBLEMATIC MONUMENT OF THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
- Author: E.I. Kolia
- Year: 2024