What I can see

It is one of the most impressive archaeological findings in the city. This tomb is in Doric order, 5.68m high and has an imposing facade. The superstructure is highlighted with coloured mortars. The white metopes, in the center of which there are decorative elements in golden colour, are framed by triglyphs in deep blue. Most of the pediment’s painted decoration has not survived.

What I can't see

It is the best preserved Macedonian tomb out of 6 that have been discovered so far in Thessaloniki. The wooden double-leaf entrance door was sealed externally with 6 stone blocks. In its interior, there are 2 burial beds on rectangular bases, which have suffered significant damage from antiquities thieves, as the tomb had been already looted when it was discovered. Inside, there are also 2 built desks, which were used for the offerings to the dead. The tomb belonged to a prominent personality, as evidenced by the detailed and elaborate decoration. It is likely that he was a military man, but it is also likely that it belonged to a wealthy landowner of the time, who owned the land of the surrounding area. The locations of ancient Macedonian tombs usually indicate the direction of ancient Thessaloniki’s road junctions. The discovery of this tomb during construction work on a modern road, changed the original plans and a slightly elevated bridge was constructed at this point.

Info

• Address: Peripheral Street of Thessaloniki

Bibliography