ASPECTS OF THE EXCAVATIONS AT ACANTHUS: THE EARLY IRON AGE AND THE EARLY ARCHAIC PERIOD

According to the literary sources, the polis of Acanthus, founded in the middle of the 7th century BC, was one of the most important colonies of Andros (or Andros and Chalcis) in the Chalcidice. Archaeological evidence, though as yet quite limited, suggests on the other hand that the site, at the he...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Mediterranean archaeology 2006-01, Vol.19/20, p.45-54
Main Authors: Trakosopoulou-Salakidou, Eleni, Paspalas, Stavros A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amphorae
Archaeological sites
Archaeology and Iconography
Archaic period
Art pottery
Cemeteries
Circles
Deer
Excavations
Iron age
Pottery
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Summary:According to the literary sources, the polis of Acanthus, founded in the middle of the 7th century BC, was one of the most important colonies of Andros (or Andros and Chalcis) in the Chalcidice. Archaeological evidence, though as yet quite limited, suggests on the other hand that the site, at the head of the Acte peninsula, was already occupied in the Early Iron Age, when the cultural profile of Acanthus shows a continuation of the Macedonian tradition as well as influences from north and south (mainly Cycladic). During the Archaic period Acanthus enjoyed a robust economy, evidenced by the wide distribution of Acanthian tetradrachms. Excavations at the site reinforce this conclusion, as finds of pottery and jewellery reveal contacts with important Mediterranean centres. The city retained its importance throughout the Classical and Hellenistic periods.
ISSN:1030-8482