Architectural remains of a monumental building were brought to light by an excavation by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Larissa at the “Skiathas” site, in an area where a marble threshold and parts of walls could be seen. From the excavation data so far it appears that it is a sanctuary of Hellenistic times (3rd-2nd century BC), made of alabaster and local stone.
Architectural members were found, such as part of the entablature and five Doric-style capitals. Also inside were found a statue pedestal, a column section, a marble bank leg, as well as two marble heads of children, a girl and a boy.
In the coastal area of ​​Kato Polydendri of the Municipality of Agia of the Larissa Prefecture and specifically in the place “Skiathas”, next to the port of Agiokampos, rescue operations are carried out in the forested and inaccessible acropolis of the declared archaeological site by the EFA of Larissa. conditions or human interventions. The research is carried out under the supervision of archaeologist Nektaria Alexiou.
The ancient settlement at this location extends on a low hill to the eastern foothills of Mount Mavrovouni that connects the Ossa mountain range to the north with the Pelion mountain range to the south. It is a walled settlement, covering an area of ​​55 acres, which also had a natural fortification, a deep stream to the north, west and south.
See the photos published by the Ministry of Culture
Built on stepped terraces, it stretched east to the sea and reached the rocky shores of the northern Aegean. It had two natural coves that were probably its ports. In the past, research was carried out by the honorary curator of Antiquities A. Tziafalia to uncover the citadel wall.
Important finds come from the area, mainly from traditions, such as sculptures, ceramics, coins, most of them from the classical and Hellenistic eras, which are kept in the museums of Larissa and Volos, while some are on display.
There were also many movable finds such as iron nails, iron arrowheads, copper rings, a section of a copper bottle, a lead station, copper Thessalian and Macedonian coins. Clay textile weights, clay lamps, paintings, drinking vessels and fragments of commercial amphorae were also found. Among them are sealed tiles with the names of owners of ceramic workshops, as well as a tile with the inscription MELIVOIAS that probably identifies the settlement at Skiathas with the important ancient city of Magnesia Melivoia, a topic that has occupied many researchers.
This is the first building of the walled city to be unveiled, beyond the wall. Also, at the lower level, a square tower belonging to the mainly Byzantine period was investigated. The continuation of the research is expected to provide answers to important archaeological questions of this coastal area, which is very rich in antiquities.
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