KERAMEIKOS in ATHENS

The ancient Kerameikos was on he north-west fringes of ancient Athens and extended both inside and outside the walls which now traverse the site of the excavations. In the centre of the site, very close to each other, can be seen the two most famous gates of ancient Athens, the Dipylon and the Sacred Gate. The area around these gates was the most ancient and largest cemetery known in Attica. It was also the burial site of the citizens honoured by the city of Athens.

Kerameikos, according to the traveller Pausanias, was named after Kerames, a hero of the deme of Kerameis. But most probably the name is due to a settlement of potters on the banks of the Eridanos river. (Kerameikos: ceramic or having to do with ceramics or ceramists). The ancient demos of Kerameikes included an area much larger than the one excavated. It is believed that it streched from the northwest limits of the Agora to the grove named after the hero Academos.

TOMBS AND STELAE

Its tombs and stelae are what Kerameikos is mainly known for. Strolling around them you will have the chance to admire the marble bull inside the enclosure of the tomb of Dionysios from Kollytos; also the replica of the well-known stele of Dexileos, placed where the original used to be and the stele of Hegeso (late 5th century B.C.). If you wish to see the original stelae as well as other finds from the excavation, you must walk to the Museum near Ermou Street.

THE MUSEUM OF KERAMEIKOS

It is a small square building around a courtyard which you are advised to visit after your walk around the site. The main exhibits are grave offerings found inside the tombs while the entrance is dominated by funerary stelae.

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