547-552

The gymnasium of Amphipolis

• Λαζαρίδη, Καλλιόπη

The palaestra, a building containing cisterns-baths, rooms used for cult and sacrifices, a big part of the xystos, the paradromis and a new building came to light during the excavation of the Gymnasium at Amphipolis. Part of the xystos (80 m.), the covered running-track, was excavated; its interior width was 7 m. and thus there was place for six athletes to exercise, while the discoveryof the starting-line in a transversal position may suggested that there were multiple courses for three athletes only. The starting-line of the paradromis was discovered, as well as part of the uncovered track, «dromos» (55 m.). Many holes along the running-track were found, probably used for the attachment of wooden posts, which suggested roped courses. Finally, another building, earlier than the Gymnasium was discovered behind thexystos; this building also preserved building phases contemporary to the Gymnasium. The new building comprised three rooms, a peribolos with a stoa, and was also equipped with deposits which probably belonged to the storehouses of a sanctuary. This sanctuary was either related to ceremonies in honour of the gods of the athletics, or was related to the worship of Dionysus, since the geomorphology, the name of the site and the existence of a big built drainage pipe suggest that this area was located in front of the theatre of the city. These two adjacent important public building-complexes were probably associated with the instruction of the youth, as it is suggested by the references to the theatre recorded in the Ephebarchicos law, found at the palaestra of the Gymnasium.

• History and Archaeology

• Κλασσικές αρχαιότητες
• Ιστορία, Αρχαία

Αμφίπολη, συνέδρια

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