Οι ταφικοί τύμβοι της περιοχής Αγ. Αθανασίου Θεσσαλονίκης (1992-1997) : έρευνα και προοπτικές
Part of : Το Αρχαιολογικό Έργο στη Μακεδονία και στη Θράκη ; Vol.10, No.Α, 1996, pages 427-442
Issue:
Pages:
427-442
Parallel Title:
The grave tumuli of Agios Athanasios, Thessaloniki (1992-1997) : results and prospects
Author:
Abstract:
In the autumn of 1992, the 16th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical An tiquities began a long-term project of landscaping and developing the archaeo logical sites of the Agios Athanasios area, some 20 km. to the west of Thessa loniki. Slightly further to the west, a large trapezoidal mound rears out of the plain, occupying a quite prominent and crucial position. This is the tumulus formerly called “Toumba Topsin”, which would seem from the evidence to have been inhabited continuously from Neolithic times down to the late Helle nistic period. This important site, which should most probably be identified with ancient Chalastra, is associated with the grave tumuli which stand on land now belonging to the Municipality of Agios Athanasios, two to the east of the town and another to its north-west, immediately after the junction with the road to the borders (Evzoni).On this last site, which in 1966 yielded a two-chamber Macedonian tomb with a Doric facade, part of an extensive archaic and hellenistic cemetery spreading across a low natural rise in the terrain was investigated in 1992 and 1993. A total of 28 tombs came to light, dating from between the sixth and the second century BC. The majority date from the second half of the sixth century BC and produced interesting grave offerings indicating that the ancient set tlement had achieved quite a high level of culture and enjoyed close trade rela tions with southern Greece, the Aegean islands, and the lands further East.In the spring of 1994, excavation of the large tumulus on the east edge of the town of Agios Athanasios yielded, first, two intact tombs of the late fourth or early third century BC, containing finds of the greatest importance, sugge stive of the social position of their occupants. Then, in the centre of the tumu lus, we came upon a small single-chamber Macedonian tomb which had been robbed in antiquity but possessed a facade covered with paintings in a superb state of preservation. The most important part of it is a narrow frieze over the door-way, depicting a unique symposion scene.In 1995, excavation concentrated on the third tumulus, approximately 600 metres to the east of the large mound, and another single-chamber tomb, sim ple but solid in architectural form, came to light. The Agios Athanasios ar chaeological site thus contains four Macedonian tombs today and quite a num ber of smaller tombs, all of which will be the chief attraction for visitors to the archaeological park currently being laid out. This is a highly important plan for the cultural enchancement of the entire area. The plan is being financed largely by the Organization for the Cultural Capital of Europe - Thessaloniki 1997, as a part of its programme since 1992.
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Subject (LC):
Keywords:
τάφοι, Θεσσαλονίκη, συνέδρια
Notes:
Περιέχει κατόψεις, σχέδια και εικόνες
