Archaeologists unearth ancient city of Verge in Serres
17/11/2005
An archaeological dig in Serres, northern Greece, has revealed the remains of an important ancient city named Verge, whose heyday stretched from the archaic to the Hellenistic eras.
Archaeologists said a dig on the outskirts of the present-day community of Neos Skopos in Serres has unveiled a section of the ancient city's necropolis or burial ground, with a number of undisturbed tombs that contain notable archaeological finds, including gold wreaths, pottery, coins and jewellery.
The dig has also uncovered sections of old walls and houses that show that the entire city of ancient Verge - which was an active centre in the area throughout antiquity.
The findings of the dig will be presented at the Thessaloniki Archaeological Symposium in January and most date from 500 B.C. and afterwards, covering the Hellenistic and Roman eras.
Strymona Mayor Vassilis Kesetzis said that an area of six or seven hectares adjoining the present settlement of Neos Skopos was of key interest to archaeologists, while noting that the discovery of ancient Verge was considered equally important to the discovery of ancient Amphipolis.
The latest findings confirm earlier signs that the city was located there, following the discovery of individual graves, plaques and the statue of a headless rider about 500 meters from the current dig a year earlier. The present remains were uncovered during work to build a storage shed.
According to archaeologists, the ancient city of Vergi was a base for raids and trade with the Balkan cities to the north because of its location and the geography of the area, since it is believed that in ancient times the city was adjacent to a lake that connected with the Strymonas Bay.
The dig has been temporarily suspended in order for the land to pass into state hands.
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