Archeology

Sites around Thassos town

Limenas(Thassos town) is the capital of the island as it was in ancient times, so the vast majority of archeological sites are situated in and around the town. It is often the case that when any new property is built, or an old one renovated, just below the foundations, new archeological discoveries are unearthed that add further to the knowledge of the island’s impressive past.

33. Thassos Museum of Archaeology

This is one of the most important museums in Greece. Completely renovated, the new museum opened in 2010, with many new halls and wonderful
exhibits. The museum should be on any visitor’s must see list.

34. The Agora

Known as the Forum in the Roman period, this was the most important area within the ancient walled city.This was where all the major civic buildings were situated and where much of the daily life of the citizens was focused. Almost the entire circumference was lined with beautiful marble stoas (colonnaded and roofed porticos) allowing people to shelter from midday sun.

35. The Artemision

This was the sanctuary to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, wild animals, wilderness, child birth and virginity. The Artemision contained ritual areas, statues of the goddess and the temple administrative precincts.

36. The Old Harbor

Now home to local fishing boats, in ancient times it was a was harbor, containing the naval fleet which protected this wealthy city-state. The harbor was entirely enclosed by seven to nine meter high gleaming white marble walls and towers. These fortifications protected 15 or more Neoriae ( boat houses) each housing three Triremes, the warships of the day.

37. Dionysion

Built in the 4th century BC, this sanctuary to Dionysus, the god of wine, agriculture and theatre, is situated at the bottom of the passage that in antiquity led up to the theatre. In front of the raised podium, you can see two sacrificial altars, one archaic (which bares a later 4th century BC inscription) and one dated to the 5th or 4th century BC.

38. Gate of the goddess on the chariot

This dates to the late 5th or early 4th century BC. Depicted on one pillar is the figure of the goddess Artemis standing on her chariot, drawn by two horses and with the bearded figure of Hermes standing next to the horses holding the bridles.

39. Gate of Hermes & the three Graces

This was the second gate that serviced the commercial harbor, Hermes being the Greek god of commerce. On the right pillar of the gate, there are the
traces of a relief depicting a naked man with a cloak over his shoulder, walking in front of three women.Research has confirmed that these portray Hermes with the three Graces.

40. The Poseidonion

This was the sanctuary to the God of the sea, Poseidon. The central court of the sanctuary was reached by a large double door; the court contained a circular base (possible of an altar)and colonnades with rooms facing into the centre.

41. The Acropolis

The Acropolis boasts a commanding position, above and behind Thassos Town with beautiful views over the bay below. In ancient times, four structures dominated the hill – the theatre, the temple of Apollo, the temple of Athena and the sanctuary of Pan. Sadly only the foundations of the two temples exists today.

42. The Ancient Theatre

Built within the hill’s natural bowl, according to Hippocrates is existed from the least the 5th century BC. The theatre has recently undergone some restoration, so that once again it can be the venue for performances of plays and local events. During the early period of the Roman Empire, the theatre was also used for animal fights and gladiatorial combats.

43.The Heraklion

This was the sanctuary of Heracles, who was the most significant god go Thassos. The Scale and the Propylea were the monumental entrances to the sanctuary that had a paved path leading to the altar at its centre. only one quadrangle foundation is currently preserved.

44.The Gate of Silenus

Silenus was described as the oldest , wisest and most drunken of the Satyrs, who were the followers and attendants to the god Dionysus. On the left hand pillar of his gate , you will see engraved the figure of Silenus, makes except for a pair of high boots, with erect phallus, long beard and a horse tail.

45. The gate of Heracles and Dionysus

Heracles and Dionysus were the two guardians Gods of Thassos. Heracles was the greatest of the greek heroes, a paragon of masculinity and champion
of the Olympic gods. However, Dionysus was a notorious consumer of wine ans was said to be invariably drunk and had to be supported by satyrs, or carried on a donkey. In his favor, he was also viewed as the promoter of civilization, a lawgiver and lover of peace.

46. The Gate of Zeus and Hera

In ancient times this was the principal southern gate into the city. The two main gate pillars had monumental reliefs one-now sadly destroyed- portrayed Zeus and Hera. On the other remaining pillar is the figure of the throned Hera, with Iris her messenger standing in front.

47. Aliki

Aliki is famous not only for its beautiful beach, but also as the location of the island’s ancient marble quarry. As you walk around the peninsula, first there are remains of two 6th century temples. Further on, you come to the ruins of two early Byzantine Christian churches. The path then leads you to the ancient marble quarries.

48. Skala Sotiros

Under the church at Skala Sotiros lies the remains of a fortified early bronze-age settlement. As is typical for these settlements, it is small with few buildings within the fortified wallcircuits, the remainder of the settlement extending outside the walls.