Το γυμνάσιο της αρχαίας Αμφίπολης
Part of : Το Αρχαιολογικό Έργο στη Μακεδονία και στη Θράκη ; Vol.1, No.1, 1987, pages 313-326
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Pages:
313-326
Parallel Title:
Excavation at Amphipolis
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Abstract:
The excavation at Amphipolis supervised by D. Lazarides started in 1956. D. Lazarides excavated the ancient city and discovered an important fortification, the wooden foundation of a bridge of river Strymon, sacred public buildings, houses and cemeteries. The monuments occupy a large area dated from the Prehistoric to the Byzantine period. However, the Gymnasium seems to be the most significant public building. It is a complex of buildings comprising a palaistra, basins and part of a xystus. The palaistra (49x36 m.) in Doric order is equipped with a wooden stair to the east, and a gate to the west leading to an open to the sky area used for exercises. The latter is surrounded by a colonnade, while a second stoa is found on the eastern and western sides. Eight rooms are attached to the northern and southern sides; two of them were baths containing marble bath-tubs. The inscriptions, and namely the Ephebarchic Law —which informs us about the conduct of the youths— were the most important finds. Another building (16x8 m.) was excavated northwest from the palaistra, certainly associated with the water-supply of the palaistra. It comprises two interconnected basins (4.50x2.50 m.) both equipped with a bottom of coloured pebbles and four smaller cisterns which provided the baths of the palaistra with water. Another long building north-east from the palaistra was partially excavated. It has a plan of a stoa with Doric colonnade. Both the dimensions and the plan imply that it is the xystus of the Gymnasium, usually one stadium long; it was used for running exercises when the weather was bad. An altar (2.50x6 m.) equipped with pits and a drainage stone pipe (1.60x1.70m.), probably serving the whole complex of the Gymnasium, were discovered in the area among the buildings. Thus, the whole complex of the Gymnasium is gradually excavated. The data imply that the buildings were planned together. The Gymnasium was probably in use by the end of the 4th century B.C.; according to the epigraphic evidence, it was quite famous not only during the reign of Philip V, but also later down to the 1st century A.D.: the annual international games took place there organized by Aimilius Paulusand also the city was visited by various officers. The excavation and the study of the building complex may reveal new evidence concerning the education of the young, the history of the city and Macedonia in general.
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Keywords:
Αμφίπολη
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