Archaeological Sites

In a prominent position, overlooking the Akanthios gulf and Mount Athos, the foundation of a temple (hekatompedon) was excavated in the years 1995-1996, with an E/W orientation and total dimensions of 33.50m X 16.60m. Well-processed, large granite bricks define the ground plan of the temple, while the engraving (on the solid limestone) and the carving (on the ground) of the foundation course of the interior of the temple are interesting. Pure red clay soil “filled” the foundation course thus marking the position of the pronaos (entrance hall), the naos (cella) and the opisthodomos (rear room), which are not preserved. According to the plan on the ground, the width of the walls of the temple is estimated at 1.10-1.20 m, while the dimensions of the spaces are estimated at 12.30m x 6.50m for the cella and 3.25 x 6.50 for the pronaos and the opisthodomos similarly. The dating of the temple and the identification of the deity worshipped cannot be accurate, due to the lack of archaeological finds. The hypothesis that the temple is dedicated to Athena due to depiction of the goddess on the coins of Akanthos, as well as the possibility of the temple dating back to the early classical years due to its structural features, are considered valid.

References

Τρακοσοπουλου-Σαλακίδου, Ε., «Αρχαία Άκανθος 1986-1996», Το Αρχαιολογικό Έργο στη Μακεδονία και τη Θράκη 10Α (1996), σσ. 297-307.