Logo
Print this page

Palaio Gynaikokastro, Archaeological Site

Excavations that took place in August 1984 by the XVI Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities Agency of Thessaloniki, on the SE side below the castle revealed interesting archaeological findings. The reason for the excavation was the deep plowing which was the cause for revealing cinerary vases with bronze grave goods, belonging to the residents of the settlement. It was the cemetery of the settlement that had the form of a large mound of stone pile that covered the funerary vases

During excavation of 1984, three sections were made thatrevealed a burial and about 70 pots containing an equal number of cremations.The majority of these were wine amphorae that had smaller vessels as a cover, usually bowls.Their decoration was simple, almost geometric; horizontal grooves on the body or carved triangles in radial arrangement around the neck, but there are many undecorated as well.

The variety of grave goods that accompanied the dead is impressive and perhaps indicative of their sex.One category are the jewelry, such as bronze spiral bracelets, rings with double spiral end, collars of twisted wire and a plethora of gilt bronze items that must have decorated garments. In this category, a unique little gold ring is distinguished.

Another category are the iron weapons, usually swords and knives that obviously belong to men.The bronze double axes found in the excavation are of great interest and reminisce of similar ones found in Minoan Crete.

Additional Info

Copyright @ Enjoy Kilkis 2014