Listed 4 sub titles with search on: Archaeological sites for destination: "AVDIRA Ancient city XANTHI".
Region: Thrace
Periods: Archaic, Classical, Roman, Byzantine, Geometric
Type: Fortified city
Summary: A coastal city on Cape Bulustra, E of Kavalla.
Physical Description:
The city had two harbors, the larger one protected by a mole
and city fortification walls. The walls extended ca. 5.5 km and enclosed a city
designed on the Hippodamian grid system in the 4th century B.C. Houses of the
Hellenistic and Roman period survive, as do the theater, Roman baths and a terracotta
figurine workshop. Byzantine fortifications have obscured earlier remains on the
acropolis.
Description:
Traditionally founded by Herakles, Abdera was in fact a
7th century B.C. colony of Klazomenai which was reestablished in the 6th century
by Ionians refugees from Teos. It fell under Persian control in 490 B.C. and later
became a member of the Delian League. Philip II conquered the city in ca. 350
B.C. and in 196 B.C. Rome declared it a free city. The city suffered two major
destructions: in 376 B.C. at the hands of the Thracian tribe of the Triballi and
in 170 B.C. by a Roman force. Abdera was famed for the beauty of its coinage and
as the birthplace of Democritus and Protagoras. Although occupied into the Byzantine
period it had lost all political importance during the Roman Imperial period.
Exploration:
Excavations began 1950 by D. Lazarides for the Greek Archaeological
Service.
Donald R. Keller, ed.
This text is cited Oct 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains 15 image(s), bibliography & interesting hyperlinks.
Bibliography: Abdera & Dikaia. D.Lazarides. 1971 Athens
Receive our daily Newsletter with all the latest updates on the Greek Travel industry.
Subscribe now!
