French School at Athens

This is the oldest foreign Archaeological School in Greece. Established in 1846, it was engaged in significant activities in Tegeatis, as well as in the rest of Arcadia. In the broader region of Tegea, the French (Archaeological) School was active from the late 19th century until the end of 1912, when the ancient theater was excavated. The investigations conducted by the French School focused on the area of Palaia Episkopi and the Korytheis (modern day Steno, Agiorgitika and Partheni). Victor Berard was the first to survey Grallos, a spot near Agiorgitika, where he identified the still existing at the time foundations of ancient buildings with the temple of Demeter and the sanctuary of Dionysus Mystes. In addition, he conducted excavations at the temple of Artemis Agrotera at the foothills of mount Artemision and at the northwest corner of the ancient Agora in Palaia Episkopi. Moreover, he published numerous inscriptions. After these, excavations took place at the sanctuary of Athena Alea in Piali (modern day Alea) by G. Mendel, which revealed the biggest part of the foundation of the temple built by Scopas. At the same time, walled inscriptions in Palaia Episkopi and at the church of St. Nicholas in Piali (modern day Alea) were studied. In 1912 excavations were conducted at the ancient theater in Palaia Episkopi.