Ancient ruins buried under a new road
Remnants of the historic Egnatia Way along with traces of the culture of Macedonia, Epirus and Thrace have been brought to light at 15 archaeological sites uncovered during excavation work, begun in 1995, for the new Egnatia Highway. The findings provide evidence of the ancient road system, agricultural and artisan economies from the Neolithic to the Roman era and the way the towns and countryside were laid out. They have also made it necessary to divert the highway in some places in order to preserve the monuments. Archaeological excavations and preservation of the findings have been subsidized so far to the tune of 5 billion drachmas (14.5 million euros). Countless ancient objects from tools to jewelry have been moved to museums in nearby towns. Some buildings have been preserved but most – with the agreement of the Central Archaeological Council – have been buried under tons of concrete. The stone wall of the aqueduct, built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Justinian (527-567 BC) is preserved almost in its entirety and can be seen along two kilometers of the new highway at Iasmos, in Komotini. During construction of an access road at Asprovalta, Thessaloniki, the company changed the route to preserve a farmhouse dating from the Hellenistic period, perhaps the oldest found to date which has provided important information regarding land management from the time of Philippos II until 168 BC. The farmhouse consists of a two-story tower house, stone-paved streets and rooms for workers. The ancient «potter’s neighborhood,» where not only pots but construction material was produced, in Polymylos, Kozani, is still proving a problem for technicians and archaeologists trying to preserve it. A proposal to transport the 4×4 meter kiln to the Museum of Aiani is «expensive and technically difficult,» according to archaeologists who have suggested that five kilns, indicating the region’s development over 1,000 years ago, be preserved on site.
