The settlement of Achilleio is situated near Pharsala in Thessaly. Excavations (1973-74) have ascertained that the site was inhabited during all the phases of the Early and Middle Neolithic (Achilleio I-IV).
Architectural remains of the Early Neolithic have a special importance in terms of the size of the settlement, the arrangement of the buildings in the area and the organization of community life. At the beginning of the Early Neolithic (Achilleio Ia), subterranean huts with walls from posts were constructed. During Protosesklo phase (middle of the 6th millenium approximately) houses were built free-standing, that is at a distance from each other. They consisted of stone foundations, on which a wall of timber and clay stood (pise technique). The lifespan of these houses is estimated, on the basis of radiocarbon datings, to have been 25 years. In Presesklo phase (Achilleio II, end of 6th millenium) huts with walls from posts and with hearths for heating and cooking were constructed not just in the interior of the houses, but in spaces for common use as well. Outdoors, close to one of the houses, a domed oven has been located, close to which there was a rectangular, elevated construction of clay, which probably had some association with food preparation.
During the transition phase from the Early to the Middle Neolithic (Achilleio III), which, according to radiocarbon datings, lasted 75 years, large timber-post framed dwellings were used, in a free-standing arrangement. The large spaces for common use in between the dwellings also contained hearths and domed ovens. In one case, an elevated and sloping clay construction with 4 hearths on top of it and one next to it was found close to the oven! The presence of constructions for food preparation in open spaces indicates their use by neighbouring households.


During the Middle Neolithic (Achilleio IV) a change took place both in the orientation and in the construction materials of the houses. They were built with stone foundations with a clay upper structure and consisted of two living spaces. Apart from hearths, in the interior of the houses, clay constructions have been found along the walls, the so-called benches, probably used for relaxation or work. The settlement of Achilleio was abandoned before the end of the Middle Neolithic.

Painted and incised pottery, typical of the Early Neolithic, an abundance of figurines, seals for the adornment of the body, stone tools, but also clay and bone accessories for weaving, testify to the economic activities of the community.