Friday, August 04, 2006

Drilling in Thessaloniki may unearth artifacts from Hellenistic and Roman Periods

ekathimerini.com | Drill aids digs in Thessaloniki: "Archaeologists are ready to begin work on the largest-ever excavation site in this city's historic center using the so-called "metro-mouse," the giant drill already used to dig tunnels under the city of Athens.

As the drill moves ahead, it is expected to help unearth finds that will illuminate the history and topography of the city's Hellenistic and Roman periods.

The greatest archaeological interest lies in the site of the six metro stations along the ancient Via Egnatia, where monuments and archaeological exploration point to the existence of a rich store of artifacts.

Potential sites were mapped as part of Attiko Metro's plan for the tunnels, and the Culture Ministry signed a memorandum of cooperation with the construction firm this week."