337-345

Prehistoric settlement at Idomeni, Kilkis

• Βάλλα, Μαγδαληνή
• Μίχα, Ευνίκη

Within the framework of a project to construct a new bridge over the Axios River connecting Evzoni with Idomeni, approximately 1.50-2.00 kilometers from Idomeni, a Prehistoric settlement was discovered after having been partially destroyed. Its total area did not exceed 12 stremmata (3 acres), and its small amount of fill had been disturbed by a Middle Byzantine cemetery. In one part of the settlement, in sector A, 14 preserved pits that had been dug in the natural soil, and which comprised the deepest sections of the habitation pits, were investigated. In another part of the settlement, in sector B, where the entire fill was preserved, an area encompassing only two excavation trenches (4.00x4.00 m.) was investigated. A complex of habitation pits disturbed by burials was discovered. Two layers were identified in the fill from the pits: the upper layer 1, which occupied most of the depth of the fill, was characterized by the great quantity and large size of the clay pieces found there, pronounced traces of fire, and the absence of bones. It appears to have been a deep, characteristic destruction layer with fire traces, abundant evidence of a destroyed clay superstructure, and the household furnishings of the inhabitants. The pottery from this level is characterized by an absence of decoration and carefully finished surfaces. Six vases, primarily large storage vases, were mended. The deeper layer 2, with a depth of only 20 centimeters, was made up of fine, grayish-brown soil with a large quantity of pottery and animal bones. Characteristic of this layer is the appearance of Late Neolithic black burnished ware.Placing the settlement at Idomeni within its chronological and topographic context is difficult by virtue of the absence of decoration and distinguishing characteristics on the pottery, the difficulty of “reading” the stratigraphy in the pits, the disturbances of the settlements fill during the occupation of the area in the Middle Byzantine period, and the recent destruction of a large part of it.

• History and Archaeology

• Αρχαιολογία

προϊστορία , Κιλκίς

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