The spectacular Ancient city of Olynthos in Chalkidiki

The ancient city of Olynthos in Chalkidiki, named by the fruit of the wild fig tree, is built on two hills, between the peninsulas of Sithonia and Kassandra. It was founded by the Bottiaeans in the 7th century B.C. The city tried to maintain independency from Athens, Sparta and Macedonia but finally, was occupied and destroyed by Filippos B’. After the ancient Stageira, the ancient Olynthos is the next important archaeological site of Chalkidiki.

Ippodamos system

The city is very well known because of the “Ippodamos” system. The city planning is following this system, with vertically crossing wide and narrow streets, forming regular architectural blocks (87 x 35 m.) .

“Ippodamos” planning system with vertically crossing wide and narrow streets, forming regular architectural blocks (87 x 35 m.)

Also, the ancient Olynthos, is well known for the mosaics found, which are among the earliest known specimens of the Classsical period.

The houses were two storeys buildings.

http://www.thehistoryofancientgreece.com/2018/04/073-oikos-and-private-life.html

Remarkable was the drainage system too, which you may see even today. On the site, there is this beautiful terracotta bathtub, to certify that hygienic conditions were too important in the houses.

Museum – Artefacts

In the area of the ancient city of Olynthos in Chalkidiki, there is a small museum but the most important artefacts, are exhibited in the arcaeological museum of Polygyros. Hopefully, it will open this summer after a long renovation.