Cities and sanctuaries of the archaic period in Chalkidike

Abstract

This paper summarizes recent excavations in Chalkidike. The ancient city of Mende has yielded evidence of houses and other structures, an archaic cemetery, and Mycenaean to late classical finds. At Polychrono (ancient Neapolis or Aige?) there are archaic and classical structures on terraces, and a cemetery with early infant burials. Three archaic–classical sanctuaries have also been found: (1) at Poseidi, a temple of Poseidon (identified from inscribed votives), robbed and reused in hellenistic and Roman times; (2) at Nea Roda-Sane, a temple to a female deity, with sculptures; and (3) at Parthenonas, a peak sanctuary of Zeus with evidence of animal sacrifice. The implications for Chalkidian relationships with other parts of the Greek world and for the strength of local culture are briefly examined.