Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis
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The Amphipolis Museum is a multifaceted set of spaces and human resources with many different functions in relation to the protection and promotion of antiquities. In the museum’s exhibition one can see the historical course of the ancient city and its immediate area. Warehouses and workshops ensure the preservation and study of the finds that archaeological excavations bring to light. In the lobby of the exhibition, in the reception area are exposed the silver reliquary and the golden wreath of olive leaves found in a boxed tomb at the site where the Museum is now built.
The exhibition is organized according to chronological and thematic sections:
I) Prehistoric times
Findings from the estuary area of Strymon testify to the strong presence of man from the Middle Neolithic Era to the Early Iron Age (5000 BC – 750 BC).
II) Early historical times
From the middle of the 7th century. BC, with the establishment of Greek cities at the estuary of Strymon, begins the progressive penetration of the Greek population in Thrace, as the Attic and Corinthian vases found in archaic tombs indicate.
III) Classical and Hellenistic times
The founding of Amphipolis in 437 BC, during Pericles’ years, was a great success for the Athenians. However, a few years later (422 BC), the city gains its autonomy and retains it until its accession to the kingdom of Macedonia by Philip II (357 BC).
IV) Roman times
The Roman era is another period of acme for Amphipolis, within the framework of the Romans’ world, as seen from the monumental buildings with mosaic floors and the sculpture, pottery and miniature artworks that have come to light.
V) Early Christian times
With the end of the ancient world (4th century AD) the area of the city decreases. However, the transfer of the capital of the Roman state to Constantinople favors the continuity of life in Amphipolis, as illustrated by the early Christian basilicas with the elaborate mosaics and the impressive architectural decoration. The plague of the 6th c. A.D. And the displacements of Slavic populations then lead to a new shrinkage of Amphipolis, which is dissolved as an urban center.
VI) Byzantine times
The settlement interest after the 9th c. A.D. Moved to the estuary of Strymon, where a major port city, known as Chrysopolis, was developed. In the ruins of Amphipolis, on the northwest hills of the hills, a small settlement, Marmarion, was developed, which served the parking needs of travelers crossing the Strymon River from the passage known as the Poros of Marmari.