Ancient Aiane opens to the public

The site of Aiane, the ancient settlement and great necropolis, is revealed in all its glory, giving the history of Macedonia a new dimension.

Aerial view of ancient Aiane [Credit: ERT]

The extensive excavations brought to light evidence of a significant and well-organized town dating back to the 6th century BC, long before written sources say that Philip II founded cities in Upper Macedonia.

The era in which the city prospered is placed in the Classical and Hellenistic periods, and the findings suggest that Aiane became the capital of the ancient province of Elimeia earlier than thought. The importance of its position is also confirmed by its very early and long-term habitation, which dates back to the Neolithic period, in the 5th millennium BC, and continued uninterrupted well into the Bronze and Iron Ages.

More than 90% of the archaeological site has been restored and is now open to visitors.

“Aiane is a place of special archaeological interest and natural beauty and the consolidation and restoration work was necessary as the first remains were unearthed in 1983,” stated the Head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Kozani, Ms. Areti Hondroyannis – Metokis.

Source: ERT [December 10, 2016]