The
fortress occupies the top of a high hill (627 m. a.s.l.), in a strategic position,
controlling the valley of Nestos. The trapezoidal enceinte is built of marble
blocks. Excavations have revealed six towers, five gates and a beehive cistern,
12 m. deep. The fort was built by king Philip II in ca. 340 B.C., after the dissolution
of the powerful state of Odryssae. Because of its strategic location, it was used
by a series of dynasts over the centuries, such as Philip V, Perseas, the Romans,
the Thracians and emperor Justinian.
The first archaeological investigation on the site was undertaken
in 1973 by Diamantis Triantaphyllos, who has been conducting the excavations since
then. Work is carried out almost every year and as a result, the fortress has
been almost completely uncovered.
The most important
monuments
of the site are:
• Priapos
Gate. It is named after the god represented on a relief plaque, found
in the area of the gate.
•
Twin gates with a courtyard.
•
Circular and rectangular towers.
•
Beehive cistern. It is 12 m. deep and has a maximum diameter
of 8 m. The walls are covered with water resistant plaster.
