History
In ancient times, Amphipolis was one of the most significant cities in Macedonia. It was built in 437 BC on a cluster of hills, on the south-western sides of Mount Pangaio, in such a way so as to be visible from both land and sea. The city was named Amphipolis (from Greek amphi = on both sides and polis = city) because the Strymon River surrounded and washed it from two sides.
The geographical position of Amphipolis, situated next to the sea and on the navigable Strymon River, made the city a significant naval base together with the port of Iiona, and established it as a city of strategic and economic significance even in those days. Amphipolis was the meeting point of the road arteries linking Thrace with Macedonia and the sea with the opulent hinterland and especially the gold and silver mines at Mt. Pangaio as well as the forests that provided ships with their renowned timber.
In Pericles's time (438-437 BC) the Athenians utilised Amphipolis in order to control the mines at Mount Pangaio and consolidate their position in the region of the sea from Thrace and Eastern Macedonia up to the Strymon River. At the end of the first part of the Peloponnesian war (422BC), Amphipolis broke off from its metropolis, Athens, and remained independent until it was incorporated into Macedonia by Philip II (357 BC). Now under Macedonian rule, it remained a powerful, autonomous city with its own cultural identity. Excavations have brought to light a large section of the city walls, as well as temples and public and private buildings. After Macedonia was conquered by the Romans (168 BC), Amphipolis became the capital of the "First Division"
The Roman era was a prosperous period in the history of the city. Amphipolis gained economic power as the capital of a fertile hinterland. During that period it suffered many disasters, but with the support of the Roman emperors Augustus and Adrian, it remained one of the most important cities in Macedonia.
The city's prosperity is reflected in the monumental buildings, mosaic floors and other archaeological finds.
With the end of Antiquity, the capital of the Roman Empire was moved to Constantinople and Christianity was established as the official religion, thus making Amphipolis a significant centre of pilgrimage.
In AD 49 - 50 the Apostle Paul visited the city. During that period monumental churches were built. Inscriptions, amphorae, coins and small works of art are all proof of the city's development.
The famine and the removal of the Slavic populations led to the shrinking and downgrading of Amphipolis. After the 9th century AD, our interest shifts to the mouth of the Strymon River, where the city - port, Chrysoupolis, was created. Northwest of ancient Amphipolis, the city Marmarion developed. Life in these two cities continued up until the post-Byzantine era.
Historical Monuments
Argilos
In ancient times (654 BC), Argilos was founded as a colony of Andros and was situated west of the mouth of the Strymon River. There is evidence of life there even up to the Hellenistic years, where there is a decline due to the greatness of the neighbouring Amphipolis.
Excavations carried out in the last few years have revealed sections of the surrounding walls of the fort, private residences, public buildings and roads that date back to the Ancient and Hellenistic city, all of which are in excellent condition.
Two significant Macedonian tombs have also been discovered, as well as groups of box-shaped tombs from the Classical and Hellenistic period.
Nea Kerdyllia:
the historical centre of the Municipality
The holocaust of Nea Kerdyllia is a point of reference in the recent history of Amphipolis.
It was here that the inhabitants of two villages, Ano Kerdyllia and Kato Kerdyllia, were executed by German troops during the occupation, this being the first group execution in Greece.
Today a monument, a "Symbol of Sacrifice", with a large marble cross erected, is a reminder to all of October 17, the day of the holocaust.
The archaeological site
The Europeans' interest in the city became evident from the 18th century onwards. Archaeological excavations have uncovered monuments and archaeological treasures that establish Amphipolis as a very significant region from an archaeological perspective.
The monument of the Lion of Amphipolis, the ancient city walls, the wooden bridge over the Strymon River and significant temples, such as that of Nymphaios, Cleon, Attis and Cybele, are some of the significant finds.
Another is the High School, one of the most important buildings in the ancient city, built at the end of the 4th century and brought to light by the excavations of Dimitrios Lazaridis.
The Lion of Amphipolis
This marble lion, today found on the western bank of the Strymon River, is a significant monument of Amphipolis and a landmark of the region.
It is one of the most well-known monuments created during the 4th century and is particularly known for its size and also its archaeological significance.
The Museum of Amphipolis
The Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis is of great historical and archaeological interest. It offers its visitors an opportunity to learn about the history of Ancient Amphipolis and to see rare archaeological finds discovered in the ancient city and its immediate surroundings that reveal the continuum of life from the Neolithic period up until the Byzantine era.
The museum lobby houses the silver reliquary and the golden wreath. They were discovered in the box-shaped tomb at the site where the Museum is now situated and it is speculated that they are linked to General Brasidas, who was buried within the city walls by the inhabitants of Amphipolis after the battle in 422 BC.
The Museum also has a multipurpose room, where various cultural events and children's educational programmes are held.
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