Acanthus

Welcome to the site of ancient Acanthus, or Akanthos, a vital and prosperous city of the ancient Greek world located on the Athos peninsula of Chalkidiki. Founded in the 7th century BCE by colonists from Andros and Eretria,…

One of the most remarkable features of ancient Acanthus is its extensive necropolis, located along the sandy shoreline. Archaeologists have uncovered over 9,000 graves here, ranging from the Archaic to the Roman periods. …

As you explore the site, you will undoubtedly encounter the acanthus plant itself. It is a hardy, perennial herb with huge, shiny, and deeply lobed leaves that can reach several feet across. …

Ascending toward the higher ground, we find the remnants of the city's defensive walls and the acropolis. Built using massive blocks of local stone, these fortifications protected the city from landward attacks and provided a…

Acanthus was famous throughout the ancient world for its exceptionally high-quality silver coinage. The most iconic design features a lion leaping onto the back of a bull, its claws and teeth sinking into the animal's flesh. …

Just to the south of Acanthus lies the narrow isthmus connecting the Athos peninsula to the mainland. It was here, in 480 BCE, that the Persian King Xerxes undertook one of the most ambitious engineering projects of antiquity:…

Our tour concludes at the ancient harbor area, the engine of Acanthus' prosperity. As a colony of the maritime cities of Eretria and Andros, Acanthus was designed for the sea. …

As we conclude our tour of ancient Acanthus, take a final moment to look at the landscape and consider the layered history of this site. We have seen a city that was a pioneer of maritime trade, a center of artistic excellence in…