Paleopolis, Andros
Encyclopedia
Palaiopoli is an ancient city on the west coast of Andros
in the Cyclades Islands, Greece
.
From the archaic to the first Byzantine
period, the epicenter of the island's activities is traced to the area of Paleopolis, which is found on the west side of the island, at a distance of 5 kilometers from Ipsili and 10 kilometers from Zagora, Andros. The archaic ceramic findings, which were gathered from the area, are dated back to the Mycenean period, though some remains show signs of inhabitation during the Geometric period. Important findings of the area, the daughter of Copenhagen
, a "Kouros" and the cluster of Pegasus
and Velerefontis, which date back to the 6th century B.C., show that the city experienced large prosperity during the Archaic period
. Construction in the area, according to the most recent findings, began during the beginning of the 5th century B.C. and continued through the old Christian
times.
The area of the city is evident since the fortification of the area is visible along its length and in some areas very high. The center of Paleopolis (or Agora) was located near the coastline, towards the east, which was near the port, whose remains are still evident today submerged in the sea. On the outskirts of town to the East and West, one will find the cemeteries. From the remains, the many sculptures and written sources, one can see that the city was very well fortified and not only had a marketplace but also had a theatre, altars and temples.
From the 1st century C.E. the city began to decline although life continued throughout the 6th century C.E., as it is evident from the remains of prebyzantine basilica
churches found in the area.
Andros
Andros, or Andro is the northernmost island of the Greek Cyclades archipelago, approximately south east of Euboea, and about north of Tinos. It is nearly long, and its greatest breadth is . Its surface is for the most part mountainous, with many fruitful and well-watered valleys. The area is...
in the Cyclades Islands, Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
.
From the archaic to the first Byzantine
Byzantine
Byzantine usually refers to the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages.Byzantine may also refer to:* A citizen of the Byzantine Empire, or native Greek during the Middle Ages...
period, the epicenter of the island's activities is traced to the area of Paleopolis, which is found on the west side of the island, at a distance of 5 kilometers from Ipsili and 10 kilometers from Zagora, Andros. The archaic ceramic findings, which were gathered from the area, are dated back to the Mycenean period, though some remains show signs of inhabitation during the Geometric period. Important findings of the area, the daughter of Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital and largest city of Denmark, with an urban population of 1,199,224 and a metropolitan population of 1,930,260 . With the completion of the transnational Øresund Bridge in 2000, Copenhagen has become the centre of the increasingly integrating Øresund Region...
, a "Kouros" and the cluster of Pegasus
Pegasus
Pegasus is one of the best known fantastical as well as mythological creatures in Greek mythology. He is a winged divine horse, usually white in color. He was sired by Poseidon, in his role as horse-god, and foaled by the Gorgon Medusa. He was the brother of Chrysaor, born at a single birthing...
and Velerefontis, which date back to the 6th century B.C., show that the city experienced large prosperity during the Archaic period
Archaic period in Greece
The Archaic period in Greece was a period of ancient Greek history that followed the Greek Dark Ages. This period saw the rise of the polis and the founding of colonies, as well as the first inklings of classical philosophy, theatre in the form of tragedies performed during Dionysia, and written...
. Construction in the area, according to the most recent findings, began during the beginning of the 5th century B.C. and continued through the old Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
times.
The area of the city is evident since the fortification of the area is visible along its length and in some areas very high. The center of Paleopolis (or Agora) was located near the coastline, towards the east, which was near the port, whose remains are still evident today submerged in the sea. On the outskirts of town to the East and West, one will find the cemeteries. From the remains, the many sculptures and written sources, one can see that the city was very well fortified and not only had a marketplace but also had a theatre, altars and temples.
From the 1st century C.E. the city began to decline although life continued throughout the 6th century C.E., as it is evident from the remains of prebyzantine basilica
Basilica
The Latin word basilica , was originally used to describe a Roman public building, usually located in the forum of a Roman town. Public basilicas began to appear in Hellenistic cities in the 2nd century BC.The term was also applied to buildings used for religious purposes...
churches found in the area.