Antiquity

A unique testimony to the ancient history of the Kalamaria region is located on a low hill within the former Kodras Barracks site, which extends to the peninsula that ends at Cape Mikro Emvolo (or Karabournaki or Mikro Karabournou). Archaeologists discovered a settlement at this location and identified it with the central settlement of ancient Therma. The city was among the most significant urban centres of the wider area in antiquity and, according to Herodotus, gave its name to the Thermaic Gulf.

Therma consisted of smaller settlements spread in the surrounding countryside. The city’s core was on the low hill within the Kodras Barracks site. The amalgamation of villages into poleis or city-states was a common process in ancient Greece antiquity (Aitolia, Attica, Crete etc.). The central settlement of Therma was initially by the sea, but the deposit of clay, silt, and sand left by flowing floodwater over the centuries cut off the city from its natural port. Nevertheless, even today, the remains of port facilities are visible underwater in the neighbouring marina and the Government House (Palataki).

The first archaeological excavations inside the Kodras Barracks site were carried out in 1917-1918 by members of the French Archaeological Service of the Allied Army of the Orient. They brought to light tombs of the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. Then, in July 1930, came the first systematic (but unfortunately short-lived) excavation by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki under Professor of Classical Archaeology Konstantinos Romanos. Finally, in the 1950s, small excavations were carried out before opening the Thessaloniki-Nea Krini coastal road (Plastira Street).

The archaeological research continued under Michalis Tiverios, Professor of Classical Archaeology at the Department of History and Archaeology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, bringing significant artefacts and numerous vessels to light. The discoveries are among the richest in Macedonia. From the findings, it is evident that the inhabitants of ancient Therma were experienced merchants who spread their trade networks in a wide area of the ancient world (Euboea, coast of Asia Minor, Attica, and Corinth).

The discovery of a blacksmithing workshop was significant because it proved the process of various metals (including gold) almost 2800 years ago. Two semi-circular niches supplied the casting pit with fuel and ore. These niches probably made it easier for the craftsmen to place the bellows that delivered air to the fuel and raised the heat output in the pit.

The importance of this installation is great. It is the first metalworking workshop located in the area. Its presence leads us to the conclusion that, during the seventh century (or even earlier during the 8th century BCE), the inhabitants of Therma were able to meet part of the local needs for iron on their own.

Numerous iron, bronze, and gold artefacts confirm the inhabitants’ prosperity. Most notable among the finds is a gold earring with a double ring and three stems. It is identical to works of art referred to in Homeric epics. Also notable are the famous so-called “τρίγληνα μορόεντα”, i.e. earrings having three pearls in the shape of a berry.