The Archaic sanctuary, situated on private agricultural land close to Apollonia, first came to light through the discovery of substantial amounts of spolia. The largest known find, unearthed over 50 years ago, was an architectural sculpture of the late 5th or 4th century BC (now in the Apollonia Museum). The ICAA, working with the University of Cincinnati, has undertaken archaeological investigations of the site since 2004.

An exceptional Archaic sanctuary complex has been revealed. Much of the original monumental temple is lost, the site having been used as a source of building materials. However, the excavations produced pottery and other dateable finds from well stratified deposits, making it possible to trace the history of cult practice at the temple from 650/630 BC to the mid-1st century BC. Importantly, there is evidence for a probable timber sanctuary pre-dating the stone temple (which is dated to c. 500 BC). The date of the timber sanctuary is considerably earlier than 588 BC, the date conventionally assigned to the foundation of the city of Apollonia.

The character of the associated finds, particularly those of the 6th century BC, is unparalleled in the region. The discovery of Archaic bronze and iron objects (of a nature rivalled only by finds from Olympia and a few other pan-Hellenic sanctuaries), as well as a range of exotica – including Egyptianizing glass and a terracotta lotus bud painted with Egyptian blue pigment – underscores the significance of the site.

It is hoped that the area of the sanctuary complex may be purchased from the Bonjakët farm to allow more extensive study, preservation and ultimately presentation of the site as part of the visitor trails in the new archaeological park at Apollonia.