The settlement of Kopani is located in the foothills of Mount Olytsika (ancient Tomaros), from where springs of Louros and Acherontas are found. It was the pilgrims’ final stretch from the south to the Panhellenic Sanctuary and the Oracle of Dodoni. It is located at an altitude of approximately 550m and overlooks important natural passages from the inland to the coast of Epirus. Nearby, there is a Hellenistic acropolis at the location of “Kalogeritsa” Theriakisiou and a smaller acropolis-fortress at the location of “Agios Georgios” Kopanis. An ancient cemetery of an unknown Molossian village developed in a natural outcrop balcony above the latest houses of the settlement, on which a large P-shaped burial enclosure, and a smaller one -both built with carved stone blocks- dominate. Cist-graves and burial cases contain primary burials or secondary despositions, inhumations, or even cremations. The grave goods suggest that the cemetery is in use mainly during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC.

Christos Klitsas