Amphipolis

Amfipolis, founded by colonists from Athens in 437 BC , emerged during the Hellenistic era as a powerful city of the Macedonian kingdom with internal autonomy and an important economic and cultural bloom. At the time of Alexander the Great, Amphipolis and its seaport in the Aegean Sea, had become a very important naval base of the Macedonians. From here started the fleet, of this great stratelates, for Asia.

The Roman period is a period of prosperity for the city, as an important city of the Roman rulers. The city as an important stop for the Via Egnatia and the capital of a rich inland develops economically and culturally.

The prosperity of the city is reflected in the monumental buildings that are decorated with mosaics and frescoes and also in the archaeological finds, the excavations have brought to light.

Few kilometers before Amphipolis, on the west bank of the Strymonas River, near the bridge, is the famous Lion. This is a funerary monument sculpture of the last quarter of the 4th BC century.

At the entrance of the modern settlement of Amphipolis, which coincides with the entrance of the ancient city, is built the museum which houses findings from the excavations at Amphipolis.

Sculptures, figurines, pottery, coins, tools, weapons, jewelry, inscriptions – findings from archaeological research in public and private buildings in the city – describe the public and private life in the city.

Sightseeing Info:

• 1. Archaeological Site of Amphipolis
• 2. Museum of Amphipolis
• 3. Lion of Amphipolis
• 4. Tomb in Kastas
• a) Sphinxes and Caryatids
• b) Floor mosaic with the Abduction of Persephone