An unpillaged Hellenistic tomb found in Macedonia

Grave contents are evidence of a thriving ancient settlement

The discovery of an unpillaged, Hellenistic-era chamber tomb on October 29 in Spilia Eordias, in the municipality of Aghia Paraskevi, near a monumental Macedonian masonry tomb, has cast doubts on prevailing views about the isolation of Upper and Lower Macedonia.

The newly found tomb, measuring 2.7 x 3.30 meters, contained the intact remains of four cremation burials, dating from the second quarter of the second century BC to the last quarter of the first century AD.

The majority of the grave ornaments were clay vases and clay idols, including two cherubs and female figures.

The metalwork found in the tombs are considered to be exceptional examples from local workshops.

Georgia Karamitsrou-Mentesidi, the director of the excavation, told Kathimerini that the finds were highly significant, as few untouched tombs of this type have been found in Upper Macedonia.

Both the tomb carved out of the rock as well as the adjacent two-chambered Macedonian tomb, with its monumental Doric facade and pediment, bear witness to a thriving ancient settlement.

The two tomb monuments are believed to have been located in the cemetery of an important city, as the finds apparently belonged to prominent families in an organized society.