Η Λητή από την προϊστορία μέχρι την ύστερη αρχαιότητα
Part of : Το Αρχαιολογικό Έργο στη Μακεδονία και στη Θράκη ; 2009, pages 369-384
Issue:
Pages:
369-384
Parallel Title:
Lete from the Prehistoric period to Late Antiquity
Abstract:
The Neolithic settlement of Lete I was discovered by English military officers during WWI on the eastern slopes of a series of hills at the western edge of the Langada Basin. Its location remained unknown, given that the lay of the land favored erosion and created a unified fill without surface indications. Research conducted from 2002 until 2007 has revealed two areas conventionally referred to here as “sites” A and B, which are located at the northwest edge and in the center of the modern settlement of Lete. At site A, pits that have been interpreted as habitation, storage, or refuse areas were investigated. In addition, part of a ditch in the shape of an open V was discovered; it surrounded the settlement in a manner comparable to that of the ditches of the Early Neolithic period uncovered at the settlement of Makrygialos, Pieria, with which it presents similar stylistic features. Classes of pottery represented include red, brown, and black burnished ware, as well as decorated pottery belonging to various classes. Excavation also yielded a significant number of stone tools of various types. In contrast, at site B a circular pit, probably a water reservoir, was found. The site of Lete I belongs to those settlements of open type with a brief habitation phase, dated to the beginning of the Middle Neolithic.A new site, which we have called Lete III, was found in the western part of the Langada Basin. A pit with a hearth and oven was discovered within in, a fact that led to its identification with a residential space, as well as two pits identified with reservoirs for collecting and storing water. The similarity of the pottery with that of Lete I places the settlement at the end of the Early - beginning of the Middle Neolithic period, making both sites the earliest testimony of human activity in the Langada Basin. The building remains and sections of cemeteries that have come to light in recent years in Lete, in combination with the historical and epigraphic testimony, gave us the possibility of presenting the city’s historical evolution. According to the data provided by the surface research by the University of Thessaloniki’s Department of History and Archaeology, pottery of the archaic period was found at the site of the ancient city, a fact confirmed by surface surveys in the organized cemetery by discovery of graves belonging to this same period.Evidence for the continued habitation of the region in the 5th century comes from a deposit found in the course of excavation during the construction of the Egnatia Motorway, which contained High-street fragments of pointed-toe amphorae of the Mendean and Corinthian types.The 4th century is chiefly represented by grave assemblages with funerary offerings characteristic of the time, viz. clay figurines and vases from Atticworkshops, as well as similar local imitations. Epigraphic testimony shows that during the Hellenistic period the city had an organization similar to that of urban centers in Macedonia. Its impressive growth during this period is connected with the policy of Cassander. To the same period are to be dated a small part of the city wall, found at its northern boundary, the sanctuary of Demeter and Kore, and the cemetery of Derveni with its variety of funerary structures, adorned with painted decoration and rich grave goods, which argue in favor of the presence of a local landowning aristocracy.Recent excavations on the eastern slope of the hill of Nebois Koula brought to light buildings that demonstrate continuous habitation from the 3rd century B.C. to the 6th century A.D., a picture also confirmed by finds in the city’s cemeteries.The continuing influence of the city is recorded by the naming of one of the gates of Thessaloniki’s western wall as the “Letaian.”
Subject:
Subject (LC):
Keywords:
Θεσσαλονίκη
Notes:
Περιέχει εικόνες και σχέδια
