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New evidence for the breakwater of Mekyberna, the sea port of ancient Olynthus

Αρχαιολογικά χρονικά

• Χανιώτης, Φ. Κ. (Δημήτριος)

During the month of October 1987 a three-man diving unit of the Ephoreia of Underwater Antiquities conducted a short underwater survey to the east of ancient Mekyberna, in the innermost part of the Gulf of Kassandra, in the province of Chalchidice in northern Greece.Since 1899 it has been reported that a structure lies beneath the water forming the ancient “double harbour” of Mekyberna, the port of ancient Olynthus.An underwater structure was located lying at depth of + 0 to 9 m, it measured 396 m. long and its widest part was 34 m. Its western side is constructed of small stones ranging from 0.30-0.40 m, while itseastern side, exposed to the N-NE winds is constructed of large hewn blocks, ranging from 0.80 Xl m to 1.10x1.30 m. On the top part of the mole a series of worked stones was observed, confirming an earlier theory of a paved surface.Earlier excavations conducted at the ancient settlement of Mekyberna on the small hill west of the mole dated the site to the flourishing period of ancient Olynthus, 432-316 B.C.The size of the mole surveyed supports the theory that Mekyberna was the harbour town of ancient Olynthus and served all its seafaring needs.

• History and Archaeology

• Αρχαιολογία

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