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Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-09-18
CONTENTS
[01] Finds unearthed at necropolis in Pella shed light on social status
of warriors
[01] Finds unearthed at necropolis in Pella shed light on social status
of warriors
ANA-MPA/Distinguished citizens in antiquity occupied the most
privileged place even after death, based on findings unearthed during
this year's archaeological digs at the ancient necropolis of
Archontiko, in northern Pella prefecture, northwest of the port city of
Thessaloniki.
The excavations, conducted by the 17th ephorate of prehistoric and
classical antiquities, focused on 50 tombs in the western cemetery of
the ancient settlement.
Ten of the 24 tombs, dated to the Archaic Period (580-480 BC), are
believed to have belonged to aristocrat warriors. Based on the
findings, the specific tombs are positioned along two paths that
crossed each other, confirming that the "best" spots in pre-Classical
cemeteries were reserved for the tombs of the wealthy and members of
the aristocrat class.
Moreover, the deceased were buried based on their social class while
members of the same family were buried close to each, other forming
clusters dating back to the second half of the 7th century BC (late
Iron Age) and even down to the early Hellenistic era.
Based on the findings, archaeologists believe the advance of the
Macedon kingdom to the Axios River region had taken place much earlier
than anticipated and not after the Persian Wars, as maintained by most
archeologists until recently.
More robust trading and evident prosperity comes from evidence dated to
just after the reign of King Alcetas (early fifth century BC) with the
population having increased access to luxury items as a result of trade
relations forged with numerous states in the Mediterranean Basin.
ANA-MPA/STR
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