Halkidiki Ancient Acanthus

The archaeological site of Ancient Acanthus in Halkidiki: Archaeological evidence dates the beginning of the ancient city of Acanthus to 655 BC. The origin of the name can be traced to the acanthus bush which abounds aplenty in the area. Acanthus was initially colonized in the 7th century BC from residents of Andros island and was the most important port to the north-east of Halkidiki.

The city's growth in the Archaic Period of Greece (750-480 BC) is evident from its currency, minted around 530 BC. The city was conquered by Phillip II, king of Macedon, in 348 BC. Later on, in 200 BC, it was pillaged by the Romans and subsequently resurrected as a colony of veteran Roman legionaries.

Acanthus was renamed Ericius in Latin, from which the Byzantines derived the name of Ierissos or Erissos. An earthquake of great magnitude destroyed the city in 1932. The