The Museum is located in the archaeological site of the ancient city of Amphipolis, which was the most valuable city in the area during the 5th BC. century. Since the time of Theseus, it has been called “Ennea Odoi” (Nine Roads). The Museum houses monuments of the city’s history and culture of ancient and Christian times. In its exhibition spaces, the cultural history of Amphipolis is summarized from prehistoric to late Byzantine times. The spot where the Museum is now is probably connected to general Brasidas, who was buried outside the city walls by the Amphipolitans in 422 BC.
Inside the Museum of Amphipolis there are monuments of the city’s history and culture, gifts that give the impression of a distant past capturing habits, customs, economy and all those living conditions that define the functioning of a society. A society, in this case, perfectly structured and functional as defined by progress and prosperity.
The Museum itself already has a lot to say about its own history. The inspiration, as well as the concern for a space where the rich history of this important urban center of Macedonia would be housed, belongs to a figure of Greek Archaeology, Dimitrios Lazaridis. Under his own guidance, initially as curator of Eastern Macedonia, Greece, and then as general antiquities inspector, the construction of the Museum started in 1976, was interrupted a year later to start again in 1984 and was completed in 1995. Small but having great aesthetics, it is considered a “jewel” and an important asset for the picturesque village of new Amphipolis, and of course for the Prefecture of Serres.
“Time-travelling” to ancient times begins in chronological order. Short history “pages” of each period, posted on the walls, share knowledge of days that passed. Prehistoric, Early historical, Classical and Hellenistic times, (with Sanctuaries, Public and private life, Cemeteries), Roman, Early Christian, and Byzantine, are the sections that unfold for the visitor through everyday utensils, such as the wonderful amphorae, coins, impressive jewelry, statues and of course mosaics of great artistic value. The exhibits come mainly from the excavations of the 1960s-1970s.
The Museum develops, alongside various cultural programs, some of which are part of the MELINA educational program, many collaborations with foreign researchers interested in the excavations and archaeological findings of the area. During summer, it offers hospitality to many of the researchers, but also to students from international universities who are conducting studies for their doctorates.
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