Overview:

: The archaeological site of Mesimvria Zoni is located in the Prefecture of Thessaloniki in northern Greece. It is an important archaeological site for the study of the ancient history of the area, as well as of Anatolia and the wider Greek world. The archaeological site of Mesimvria Zoni, or Zoni, lies on a mound on the northern side of the Thermaic Gulf, approximately 8 kilometres north of the city of Thessaloniki. The site has been occupied since at least the 13th century BCE and contains remains from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Excavations in the early 20th century revealed a large settlement, with defensive walls and towers. The main gate of the settlement was likely located at the northernmost point of the site, and the interior of the walls housed various buildings such as a possible market place or agora. Archaeological finds include pottery, architecture, coins and sculpture and objects from the classical, Hellenistic and Roman period. It is also believed that religious activity once occurred at the site, and it is possible that a temple may have once stood at the centre of the settlement. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

• Located in Thessaloniki, Greece, Mesimvria Zoni is an archaeological site featuring the remains of a fortified Ancient Greek city. • The city is believed to have been founded in the 6th century BC, and was later occupied by the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC. • The most well-known remaining artifacts from this site are the foundations of five towers typical of the ancient Greek fortifications, and the remains of the city walls. • Recent archaeological digs on-site have revealed many artefacts, such as coins, pottery and other objects, which provide valuable insight into the history of the city. • In 2015, the site was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. • Visitors to the site can see the city walls, towers, and artefacts, as well as visit the small on-site museum that showcases the findings of the archaeological digs. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

Mesimvria Zoni is an archaeological site located in Northern Greece. It has been the subject of archaeological activity from the middle of the 19th century up to the present. The site was originally inhabited by the local Greek tribes, including the Illyrians and the Thracians, in the Bronze and Iron Ages. The Roman Empire conquered the region in 168 BC, with the settlement of Mesimvria becoming an important trading center in the region by the first century AD. During the early Byzantine period, the area was part of the Theme of Thrace and then it was occupied by the Bulgarian Empire from the 10th to the late 13th century. The settlement was destroyed by invading Ottoman forces upon their capture of the town in 1372. The modern heritage of the site is found mainly in the ruins of its buildings, which date from Neolithic through Ottoman periods. These include the remains of churches, monasteries and fortresses, as well as an impressive number of archaeological artifacts, including pottery, coins, and sculpture. Excavation at Mesimvria Zoni began in the late 19th century by German archaeologists. It has been the focus of numerous excavations and studies ever since, since its impressive ruins and artifacts made it a key site for understanding the history of Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. A series of conservation and restoration efforts has been ongoing since the 1950s to preserve and revitalize the site, which was declared a protected archaeological reserve in 1978. Today, Mesimvria Zoni is a popular tourist destination, due to the variety of ancient cultural artifacts and ruins that can be experienced there. It is also an important educational asset, offering visitors insight into the history and culture of Greece, the Eastern Mediterranean, and beyond. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Mesimvria is one of the oldest Greek colony settlements, believed to have been founded by Ionian settlers in the 8th century BC. 2. Archaeological evidence suggests that this settlement might have even participated in the Trojan War. 3. Remains from the first colonists were unearthed near the site in 1996. 4. To this day, Mesimvria Zoni is considered to be the largest archaeological site in Thrace, with an area of nearly 400 hectares. 5. Excavations at this site have revealed several fascinating landmarks, including the agora (marketplace), four gateways, a temple of Apollo, and a temple of Zeus Agoraios. 6. There are also archaeological remains from various other periods such as the Hellenistic, Roman and Ottoman eras. 7. The site’s uniqueness and cultural-historical importance led to it being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era