Amphipolis, Greece

Amphipolis highlights

Known for ancient settlement, archaeological park, monument, museum

Amphipolis is an ancient Greek archaeological site located in northern Greece, near the Strymon River and Mount Pangaion. Founded in 437/436 BC by the Athenian general Hagnon, it was an Athenian colony of strategic importance, situated to control the rich Strymon hinterland and the Pangaion gold mines.

Other places in Greece that we are familiar with

Acrocorinth - Known for fortress, medieval old town, viewpoint

Aigai (Aegae) - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ancient Corinth - Known for archaeological site, museum

Andromonastero - Known for orthodox monastery

Antirrio - Known for bridge, fortress, viewpoint

Arachova - Known for free time, mountain town

Argos - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, castle, orthodox cathedral; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Arta - Known for bridge, byzantine empire, castle, museum, orthodox cathedral

Athens - Known for archaeological site, museum; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bassae - Known for archaeological site, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Chalkida - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, marina, museum, viewpoint

Corfu - Known for archaeological site, beach, fortress, historical center, island, marina, medieval old town, museum, promenade, scenic road, sightseeing, viewpoint

Corinth - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, beach, bridge, coastal town, fortress, landmark, viewpoint

Corinth canal - Known for landmark, viewpoint

Delphi - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Dimitsana - Known for bridge, hiking pass, mountain town, scenic road, viewpoint, orthodox monastery

Dion - Known for archaeological park

Diros - Known for cave, coastal town

Dodoni - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Elonas - Known for scenic road, viewpoint, orthodox monastery

Epidaurus - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Galaxidi - Known for coastal town, marina, promenade

Hosios Loukas - Known for orthodox monastery; monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Igoumenitsa - Known for beach, coastal town, seaport

Ioannina - Known for ancient settlement, fortress, lake, museum, park, venetian empire, orthodox monastery

Kalamata - Known for beach, castle, museum, orthodox cathedral

Kalampaka - Known for museum, natural phenomenon, viewpoint

Koroni - Known for beach, coastal town, fortress, promenade, viewpoint, orthodox church, orthodox monastery; fortress is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Koronisia - Known for beach, island, lagoon, marina, nature, wildlife

Lamia - Known for castle

Larissa - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site; ancient theatre is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Livadeia - Known for castle, medieval old town, river, waterfall

Messene - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, landmark, museum, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Mesolongi (Messolonghi) - Known for beach, coastal town, lake, landmark, promenade, wildlife

Meteora - Known for landmark, nature, viewpoint, orthodox monastery; monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Methoni - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, viewpoint; castle is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Metsovo - Known for architecture, mountain town, museum, viewpoint, winery

Monemvasia - Known for ancient settlement, beach, coastal town, hiking pass, island, medieval old town, viewpoint, orthodox church

Monodendri - Known for hiking pass, mountain town, museum, scenic road, sightseeing, viewpoint, Zagori cultural landscape, orthodox church, orthodox monastery; Zagori cultural landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mycenae - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mystras - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, viewpoint, orthodox monastery; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Nafpaktos - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, marina, monument, museum, promenade, viewpoint

Nafplio - Known for castle, coastal town, fortified town, fortress, historical center, marina, monument, museum, promenade, viewpoint; fortress is a UNESCO Tentative List Site; castle is a UNESCO Tentative List Site; fortified town is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Oiniadai (Oeniadae) - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, walls; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Olympia - Known for archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Palace of Nestor - Known for archaeological site, architecture, landmark

Parga - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, promenade

Patras - Known for archaeological site, castle, coastal town, museum, promenade, seaport, viewpoint, winery, orthodox cathedral

Porto Kagio - Known for beach, coastal town, marina, viewpoint

Preveza - Known for castle, coastal town, marina, museum, seaport

Pylos - Known for beach, bridge, castle, coastal town, fortress, marina, venetian empire, wildlife

Rio - Known for beach, bridge, coastal town, fortress, seaport, viewpoint

Sparta - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site

Thermopylae - Known for landmark, monument

Trikala - Known for castle, park

Volos - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, beach, coastal town, marina, museum, nature, seaport

Western Thrace - Known for beach, forest, lake, landmark, nature, park, river

Last reviewed: 5 April 2025

Amphipolis description

The region around Amphipolis had been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with continuous habitation through the Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. The nearest Neolithic settlement was discovered on Hill 133, adjacent to the ancient city, showing a mix of local and Greek cultural influences. The site of Ennea Hodoi, an earlier short-lived Athenian settlement, is believed to be either Hill 133 or the site of Amphipolis itself.

After breaking away from Athens during the Peloponnesian War, Amphipolis was incorporated into the kingdom of Macedonia by Philip II in 357 BC. Under the Macedonians, it remained a strong city with domestic autonomy and economic prosperity. Following the Roman conquest of Macedonia in 168 BC, Amphipolis became the capital of Macedonia Prima, experiencing significant economic and cultural growth as a station on the Via Egnatia.

The site is rich in archaeological finds, including the remains of walls, sanctuaries, public and private buildings, and a gymnasium from the 4th century BC, which is the only ancient gymnasium found in northern Greece. Excavations have also uncovered Roman-period buildings, including a Roman house with mosaic floors and mural paintings.

One of the most notable features is the Kasta Hill tomb, a large funerary complex surrounded by a marble wall, which is the largest tomb found in Greece to date. Other significant finds include the Lion of Amphipolis, a 4th-century BC grave monument, and various artifacts displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis, such as gold jewelry, a clay bust of a female deity, and coins from different periods.

Amphipolis is a must-see for tourists interested in ancient history and archaeology. The site offers a glimpse into three major eras of Greek history: Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine. Visitors can explore the ancient walls, the acropolis, and various buildings, including the gymnasium and Roman houses. The Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis provides a comprehensive view of the history and civilization of the area through its well-arranged exhibits.

The Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis, located near the acropolis, houses many of the finds from the excavations and offers insights into the history of the area. Despite the site's historical significance, it remains relatively off the beaten path, making it an intriguing destination for those seeking to explore less crowded archaeological sites.

Amphipolis related tours

Sorry, we have no any pre-designed tour passing trough this place yet. If you would like to visit this place, please contact us.