Surface finds of ancient fortifications. Does this evoke images of mighty warriors and epic battles? Perhaps it should. Today we explore the historic settlement of Euonymeia. This area displays some of the earliest urban settlements in Europe.
Euonymeia, also known as Trachones and Ano Kalamaki, boasts a rich history. It evolved from the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. Major archeological finds mark its ground. These include Early Helladic fortifications and Mycenaean workshops. A classical amphitheater also resides here. Paleochristian and Byzantine temples once stood tall.
At its peak, Euonymeia was the center of the Deme of Euonymos. This was one of the most populous communities of Ancient Athens. Euonymos had its own acropolis and theater. Industrial installations and religious festivals marked its civic life. Several Euonymeians played major roles in Athenian politics. Most notably they were involved in the trial of Socrates. They also participated in the expeditions of the Peloponnesian War.
The name Euonymeia comes from Stephanus of Byzantium. He attributed it to Euonymus of Greek Mythology. Euonymus was the son of Gaia with either Uranus or Cephissus. The name itself means “good name”. Alternative interpretations suggest it references the area’s good repute. It may also come from the spindle tree Euonymus europaeus.
Systematic excavation has not been conducted here. However construction projects led to important discoveries. These discoveries shed light on the settlement’s timeline. The hills of Euonymeia are important sites for Neolithic and Aegean Bronze Age development. Ceramics and obsidian tools reveal ties with the Cycladic civilization. Findings suggest functional links between coastal and inland communities.
The earliest signs of prehistoric settlement were recognized at the Kontopigado site. Neolithic-era masonry was identified around a small hill. In 2012, prehistoric masonry was recognized on the summit of Pan’s Hill. Findings from this settlement period end abruptly around 2000 BCE. This indicates a catastrophic event.
Excavations led to the discovery of an Early Helladic settlement. An overlying Mycenaean complex was also found. A Mycenaean chamber tomb and funerary pottery were identified. In 2006, a large workshop complex was unearthed. It had installations for ceramic production. This workshop included hydraulic installations. These were used in the processing of flax into textiles. The Mycenaean complex at Kontopigado is one of the largest of its kind found. This community is thought to have links to the central palatial authority in Athens.
During the Geometric period, the area continued to be inhabited. Notable pottery production came from the Trachones workshop. Geometric graves and pottery have been found around the estate. Euonymeia practiced cremation as the main burial rite during this period. Two ceremonial Kraters attributed to the Trachones workshop are on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
The area was recognized as the site of the ancient Deme of Euonymos in 1975. This happened when construction work uncovered a 4th-century BCE theater. An inscription to the god Dionysus identified it as the Euonymos Theater. The theater was constructed in the mid-5th century BCE. It had an estimated capacity of 2000-3000 spectators. The theater was destroyed during the Chremonidean War and never rebuilt.
Euonymeia declined in medieval times. At some point, the settlement’s name changed to the village of Trachones. Nonetheless, it retained urban settlement throughout the Early Christian and Byzantine eras. The ruins of the Paleochristian Basilica of the Holy Apostles can be found here.
In modern times, the settlement of Trachones was incorporated into the Municipality of Athens in 1912. In 1968 the modern Municipality of Alimos was established. This administratively linked Trachones with the coastal community of Kalamaki. Hence the name Ano Kalamaki to refer to the area of Euonymeia.
Euonymeia’s story is one of resilience. It shows continuous habitation. From Neolithic settlements to a prominent Athenian deme. From medieval villages to a modern neighborhood. Its layers of history enrich the Athenian landscape. The whispers of the past echo through the stones of Euonymeia.