Listed 1 sub titles with search on: History for destination: "SERMYLI Ancient city HALKIDIKI".
Is the most ancient settlement in Chalkidiki,
having a uninterruptedly presence in the area since the Neolithic era. Its ancient
name was Sermyli, then it was changed to Ermyli during the dark ages, only to
become Ormylia which lasts till today.
The first findings are dated in the Neolithic age (4000-2000 bc) and
were found at Toumpa of Prophet Ilias, on the hill of St George during the 2nd
millennium bc, in the square Toumpa near the end of 2000 bc and at Kastri of Vatopedi
around 1000 bc.
During the classic age, the historical testimonies mention 2 cities
in the area, both of them being colonies of the Chalkideous (they came in the
area during the 13th - 12th century bc) and members of the Athenian alliance during
the Persian Wars. The first one with the name Sermyli,
according to the ancient historian Herodotus, was very big and very important.
It was located next to the sea and near the debouchment of the river. It was controlling
the primary and shortest road from Kalamaria
to Sithonia. The oldest
testimonies on the history of Ormylia, are given through the silver coins that
were cut in the 6th sentury bc. Herodotus is also mentioning the city as one of
those that gave army to the Persian King Xerxis.
When the Persian Wars were over, the city entered the Athenian Alliance
and from the contribution they were paying (3-5 talanta) we can easily assume
that it was the most important city of Chalkidean people besides Toroni.
During the Peloponnisian War, the city suffered a lot for the Spartans
(Thoukididis history, A' 66) A few bronze coins that were cut after 404 or 379
bc, testify that the city was self-governed in that period. In the 384 bc it was
destroyed by Filippos and its habitants were scattered in the greater area, establishing
small settlements that were hardly surviving.
In the old Christian period (4th - 7th century ad), two settlements
have been located. One was northwest from where Vatopedi is located today, in
area "Gveli" and the other one is the castle in Kallipoli, which must have been
built around the 5th century ad on a steep hill next to the river. This testifies
that the habitants of the area were in grave danger from the various barbarian
raids.
This text is cited Oct 2003 from the Municipality of Ormylia URL below.
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