The Prehistoric Research in Emathia: The Excavated Settlements (Second Part)

The results of the excavations in four prehistoric settlements in Emathia are presented in this second part of the article.The settlement of Nea Nikomedeia is a small tumulus, inhabited during the Early and Late Neolithic. During three excavational periods the excavator, R. Rodden, discovered a small section of the settlement that was inhabited by approximately 600 people and was consisted from about 100 buildings during the Early Neolithic. The three habitation horizons of the settlement had a close sequence the one with the other. The post-holed dwellings were made of tree trunks, branches and mortar. One distinct among them, due to its size and finds, has been considered by the excavator to be a sanctuary.

The excavation of the settlement at Polyplatanos commenced in 1977. It is a low and extensive tumulus that was inhabited during the middle of the fifth millennium B.C. The ruined houses on the top of the tumulus have been constructed with tree trunks, branches and mortar. The most characteristic find of the settlement is a number of vessels, decorated according to the various styles current in this period in Thessaly and Macedonia.

The archaeological site of Kallipetra, on Mount Vermion, was located during the construction works of Egnatia. The area has continuously been inhabited from the Neolithic to the Hellenistic era. During the Neolithic the settlement seems to occupy a very small area, while during the Bronze Age is obvious that it has been expanded and developed. However, the continuous habitation has seriously damaged the prehistoric inhabitation strata of the district.

The settlement at Angelochori is a modest tumulus with steep slopes. The excavation brought to light two main habitation phases, dating from the Late Bronze Age. It is obvious that a mound, at least four meters high, enclosed the settlement that was built with mortar, useless building material, wood and shards. The earthenware from Angelochori includes a great variety of decorated mat-painted and incised vases as well as huge storage pots.