Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 13-06-11

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Walking along an ancient roadway

[01] Walking along an ancient roadway

The road was lined with the graves of citizens of the city-state of Athens and remains that have been revealed by Metro excavations for the current stops of Egaleo and Eleonas are visible and protected by a cover.

At the Egaleo site, the supporting earthworks for five consecutive roads were discovered; they are dated to the Classical and Hellenistic times. Findings also include 18 graves of a 4th-century BC cemetery on the side.

At the Eleonas station area, visitors will be able to see the three foundation blocks lain for the ancient bridge of Kifissos River, which used to run through the whole of the area named after its olive trees.

Ephorate archaeologist Marilena Kontopanagou, who conducted a tour earlier this month, said that evidence shows the road was in use from Mycenaean times on, and parts of its modern version correspond exactly to its ancient route. "It was a commercial street with political and religious significance, and lined with cemeteries on either side," she told ANA-MPA.

Egaleo mayor Christos Kardaras said the town hopes to be able to offer tours regularly as of this autumn, expanding on a programme for sixth-graders it has been holding the last two years focusing on antiquities revealed by Metro excavations.

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