Archaeological Site of Keramikos

What I can see

The archaeological site of Keramikos consists mainly of walls and tombs. There is nothing like it in the greater Athens area. Upon entering the archaeological site, to the right, one can see the defensive wall of the city with its two gates, Dipylon and the Sacred Gate. The wall divides the area into sections, one inside and one outside the city. In the interior there used to be public buildings. Outside there are roads that start from the gates. On both sides, a large part of the Athens cemetery can be found. The wall was constructed during several phases, which is evidenced by the different types of stones and the wall’s various levels. The Sacred Gate, starting point for the Eleusinian Mysteries, got its name because of Iera Odos (Sacred Way). Under the modern Iera Odos, the continuation of the ancient road still exists. Passing through the Gate is a small river named Heridanos or –according to an alternative scientific view– the stream of Kessariani. Dipylon was the major gateway, the city’s main artery, which had two openings. You can also see traces of the four towers (instead of the original two of the Sacred Gate), which enhanced its fortification. On the side of the interior and between the two gates, Pompieion was located, where items used in the Panathenaic celebrations were kept. Finally, on the outer side, northeast of the Dipylon, there is the Public Sign, the most important cemetery of the city, where warriors and renowned Athenians were buried. Here, one can find masterpieces of sculpture, in which the realism in the expression of pain and sadness touches the visitor. The place has very interesting stories to tell, such as that of the “Dipylon Wine Jug” (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMFNRqIZiSA), but also through the engraved ancient slogans.

What I can't see

The area takes its name from the laboratories that were located on this spot in ancient times. According to another -mythological- version, it comes from Keramos, son of Dionysus and protector of the potters. From the 12th century BC onward, the local inhabitants buried their dead here. The long history of Keramikos has given us burial masterpieces of all periods, from giant amphoras to statues. Ιn front of the wall, a moat filled with water, was useful for the defence. Today, it is covered with soil. On the right of the Sacred Gate, one can see foundations of Roman era laboratories, even though excavations revealed large private houses of the classic era below them. The Dipylon, as we see it today, dates from the Conon era (4^th century BC) but was originally built during Themistocles’ days (5^th century BC). The Dimosio Sima (Public Sign) is where Pericles delivered his famous Funeral Oration for the dead of the Peloponnesian War. Unfortunately we cannot see the Dimosio Sima in its entirety, as it extends underneath Pireos Street and a large part of the neighbourhood of Keramikos inside the modern city. 

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