Plotinopolis… the Roman city at Didymoteicho – See photos

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Works at the archaeological site for its promotion and exploitation

The Ministry of Culture and Sports is advancing the protection and promotion of the archaeological site of Plotinopolis, in Didymoteicho, with the construction of a protective roof and the shaping of the surrounding area, with tour routes for the disabled.

As stated by the Minister of Culture and Sports, Lina Mendoni, “As part of the strategy of the Ministry of Culture and Sports for the balanced promotion of our cultural heritage in all Regions of the country, we are highlighting, on the Evros border, the Roman city of Plotinopolis. It is a city that has yielded findings that prove the historical timelessness of Thrace. The goal of the operation is to form a shell that will fully protect the antiquities from weather conditions and man-made damages. The archaeological site is shielded, in terms of fire protection and energy autonomy, following modern international practices, while at the same time the visitor’s experience is enhanced with a walk that will connect the archaeological site with the Museum and the other monuments of the city”.

Plotinopolis

During the planning of the interventions, the importance of the monument, the harmonious integration of the roof into the natural environment, the tour routes and the energy autonomy of the space were taken into account. Among other things, the creation of a tour corridor in the protected – with the canopy – archeological site for the unimpeded access of the disabled and the public, the installation of lightning protection, fire protection, flood protection and energy autonomy systems, using photovoltaics, are foreseen.

Plotinopolis

Plotinopolis

The Roman Plotinopolis is located southeast of Didymoteichos on the fortified hill “Agia Petra”. It was founded by the Roman emperor Trajan (98-117 AD) in honor of his wife Plotinus, and since then it has been an economic and ecclesiastical center, as far as Byzantium. In 1960, Professor G. Bakalakis identified this particular place with Plotinopolis. In 1965, the golden bust of the Roman emperor Septimius Severus came to light by chance. Systematic excavations in Plotinopolis, since 1977, have brought to the surface a building complex, probably a luxury residence or a public building, baths with a mosaic floor decorated with elaborate patterns. A well was also discovered, built with hewn stones and founded on the rock. The pumping was done from a side opening, to which a vaulted chamber led, with a descent into it, by means of a ladder. It is connected to a neighboring chamber, while sections of ducts have also been revealed. It is thought that this was the central water supply system of the city. Also belonging to the Roman period is a hall with a mosaic floor depicting water performances, with the Evros as a youth and Polis as a woman, while stake holes from constructions from the Neolithic period have also been uncovered.

Plotinopolis

Plotinopolis

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