Since 1985 the systematic excavation of the Department of Archaeology and Art History of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at modern Kardamaina on the island of Kos has brought to light the sanctuary of Apollo and Hercules of the ancient demos of Halasarna and part a substantial part of the early Christian settlement that was later established in the same location. Apollo’s sanctuary was the second most important on Kos after that of Asklipieios. The revealed temple, buildings of the Hellenistic and Roman periods and the large number of inscriptions have provided us with substantial information on the history of the sanctuary and the performed cult. In the fifth century AD a Christian settlement was established immediately above the ruins of the ancient sanctuary. It must have been rather prosperous and prominent as indicated by four basilicas. The settlement was abandoned in the seventh century AD following a disastrous earthquake and the fear of Arab raids from the sea.

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