Hellenistic Period

 

Various findings and tombs from the Hellenistic period have been brought to light in the region of Hersonissos. During the Hellenistic period Hersonissos was an eparchy of the powerful city of Lyttos. The city of Lyttos was probably the administrative center during this period, and shared common land properties and politics with Hersonissos. However, Hersonissos maintained some of its autonomy, as it had its own rulers and currency. The fact that Hersonissos had its own natural port in a good condition played a defining role to its autonomy, as the city maintained the control of commerce in the region.

 

Some of the most important monuments of the region are presented below:

 

  1. The Acropolis: during the excavations in the western part of the paleochristian basilica of Kastrio, the marble sill of a large edifice was found. Findings suggest that the edifice was a site of worship, and was probably built during the Hellenistic period.

 

  1. The Necropolis: one of the most important recent archeological findings in the region was the extended cemetery at the intersection of the streets "Filonidou Zotou" and "Dimokratias".  The cemetery was used in the end of the 4th and the beginning of the 3rd century B.C. In its excavated part 30 tombs have been found, carved on the soft rock. Valuable findings were found in the tombs, indicating the economic prosperity of the city during the Hellenistic period.