Papers by Charilaos E Gouidis
ΠΑΛΑΙΟΛΟΓΕΙΟΣ ΝΑΟΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΑΚΡΟΠΟΛΗ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΚΑ 44 (2020-2023), 2024
ΠΑΛΑΙΟΛΟΓΕΙΟΣ ΝΑΟΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΑΚΡΟΠΟΛΗ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ/ PALAIOLOGAN CHURCH IN THE ACROPOLIS OF THESSALONIK... more ΠΑΛΑΙΟΛΟΓΕΙΟΣ ΝΑΟΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΑΚΡΟΠΟΛΗ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ/ PALAIOLOGAN CHURCH IN THE ACROPOLIS OF THESSALONIKI. ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΚΑ 44 (2020-2023)
ΠΑΛΑΙΟΛΟΓΕΙΟΣ ΝΑΟΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΑΚΡΟΠΟΛΗ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ
Σε σωστική ανασκαφή οικοπέδου εντός της βυζαντινής Ακρόπολης της
Θεσσαλονίκης, αποκαλύφθηκε το 2019 τμήμα της κόγχης του Ιερού Βήματος και του βορείου διαμερίσματος ναού των υστεροβυζαντινών χρόνων (13ος-14ος) καθώς και εκτενές κοιμητήριο της ίδιας εποχής (Σχδ.1, Εικ.1-2). Επίσης, αποκαλύφθηκε εντός της κόγχης το δάπεδο του Ιερού και η κτιστή Αγία Τράπεζα. Από τον τοιχογραφικό διάκοσμο της κόγχης, διατηρήθηκε η παράσταση της Άκρας Ταπείνωσης στην Πρόθεση και η παράσταση του Μελισμού, εξαίρετα δείγματα της Παλαιολόγειας τέχνης (Σχδ.2, Εικ.2-8). Στο βόρειο διαμέρισμα και εξωτερικά της κόγχης εκτείνεται πυκνό κοιμητήριο της ίδιας περιόδου, που ανήκει στον οικισμό της Ακρόπολης των βυζαντινών χρόνων (Σχδ.2, Εικ.9-10).
PALAIOLOGAN CHURCH IN THE ACROPOLIS OF THESSALONIKI
In 2019, during a rescue excavation in a plot of land located within the Byzantine Acropolis region in Thessaloniki, part of the apse of the Sanctuary and the northern part of the nave of a Byzantine church dating back to the Late Byzantine era (13 th -14 th ) was discovered, as well as an extensive cemetery of the same era (Plan1, Fig.1-2). Also, within the apse, the floor and the built Altar of the Sanctuary were unveiled. The preserved parts from the painted wall decoration of the apse were the representation of the Man of Sorrows (Prothesis) and the representation of Melismos (Sanctuary), fine specimens of Palaiologan art (Plan2, Fig.2-8). In the northern part of the nave and on the outer part of the apse, a dense cemetery of the same era expands, that belongs to the settlement of the Acropolis of the Byzantine era (Plan 2, Fig.9-10)
ΜΝΗΜΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΜΝΗΜΕΙΑ, 2023
Από την εισαγωγή της έκδοσης: "Τη μνήμη του πολυσήμαντου για την νεότερη ιστορία μας οροσήμου, κα... more Από την εισαγωγή της έκδοσης: "Τη μνήμη του πολυσήμαντου για την νεότερη ιστορία μας οροσήμου, καθώς έθεσε τις προϋποθέσεις για το ελληνικό κράτος, και με αντίκτυπο στη βαλκανική, ευρωπαϊκή και παγκόσμια ιστορία, τιμά το επετειακό έτος 2021, διακόσια χρόνια μετά την κήρυξη του Αγώνα. Η Διεύθυνση Αρχαιολογικών Μουσείων, Εκθέσεων και Εκπαιδευτικών Προγραμμάτων διά του Τμήματος Εκπαιδευτικών Προγραμμάτων και Επικοινωνίας συμμετέχει στις δράσεις με τον συντονισμό και την παραγωγή της έκδοσης "1821 Μνήμες και Μνημεία".
Fortification and Qanat structures in the area of Acropolis of Thessaloniki
In 2009-2012, under ... more Fortification and Qanat structures in the area of Acropolis of Thessaloniki
In 2009-2012, under the supervision of the 9th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, archaeologists excavated a plot in close proximity to the western walls of the Acropolis. The earliest phase represented by the few building remains dates back to the Roman imperial times. In the northwestern part of the plot there was revealed part of water concentration system consisting of three wells carved into the local stone. The wells were linked together by a duct (qanat). A road section coated with schist dates back to 4th-6th century A. D. The road is later abandoned and the area was used as a graveyard for the Christians of Thessaloniki, as shown by the eleven Christian graves that were opened in the former roadway. In the same chronological period fall three built water pipes discovered during the excavation. At the eastern boundary of the plot there was revealed part of the smaller external wall which went along with the main walls of the Acropolis. The discovery of the external wall certifies its existence in front of the main wall, in this certain area of the city. The important findings show the daily struggle of the people in order to survive and create in safety and their position in the social stratification, represented by the simplicity of their burial structures.
ΣΤ΄ ΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΟΝΙΚΟ ΣΥΜΠΟΣΙΟ ΝΕΟΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΗΣ ΤΕΧΝΗΣ, 2022
"19TH CENTURY COPPER AND SILVER ARTIFACTS-VESSELS FOR THE HOLY WATER AND FURTHER THOUGHTS ABOUT T... more "19TH CENTURY COPPER AND SILVER ARTIFACTS-VESSELS FOR THE HOLY WATER AND FURTHER THOUGHTS ABOUT THEM"
Since the early post byzantine era, silver was an important factor of economic development for the ottoman empire and for the craft of metallurgy, whose major client was the orthodox church. The cross emerging in new forms expressing the ideology of the time was a dominant artifact among the variety of holy relics. Among the crosses those with wooden core and metallic covering were popular. Problems concerning the lack of chronology, the long use and the multiple aesthetic modifications cording to the criteria of each era are among the common questions. (Pic.1-3) A cross from Kromni that should be dated to the 19th century in spite the published parallel findings, (Pic.4) a cross from the antiquities market highlighting the lack of coexistence of wooden core and metallic covering and (Pic.5-6) a cross from Asvestochori subjected to numerous modifications are presented here emphasizing the questions. An indispensable element for the mystery of the holy water was the vessel containing it. Here our interest moves away from the valuable metals and particularly in copper vessels that were imitating silver examples and were neglected by research (Pic.7) The resemblance between the vessels is presented here. (Pic.8) A copper bowl from a private collection with affinities to examples of parallel vessels dating to the 17th and 18th century (Pic.9) and a copper bowl from the market that carries resemblance of a silver 19th century one is presented. (Pic.10) Finally, we should note that the few copper bowls left today are of very restricted use.
"19ου ΑΙΩΝΟΣ ΑΓΙΑΣΜΟΥ «ΣΚΕΥΗ ΧΑΛΚΕΑ», «ΣΚΕΥΗ ΑΡΓΥΡΑ» ΚΑΙ ΣΚΕΨΕΙΣ ΓΙΑ ΑΥΤΑ"
Από τους πρώιμους μεταβυζαντινούς χρόνους ο άργυρος αποτέλεσε παράγοντα οικονομικής ανάπτυξης της οθωμανικής επικράτειας και της μεταλλοτεχνίας, της οποίας κύριος παραγγελιοδότης ήταν η ορθόδοξη εκκλησία. Μεταξύ του πλήθους σχετικών αντικειμένων κυριαρχούσε το σύμβολο του σταυρού σε νέες φόρμες της εποχής. Μια μεγάλη ομάδα μεταβυζαντινών σταυρών αποτελούν αυτοί με ξυλόγλυπτο πυρήνα και μεταλλικό περίβλημα. Διαχωρίζονται περαιτέρω σε αγιασμού, με κυκλική βάση και ευλογίας χωρίς βάση. Η διάκριση μεταξύ τους δεν υπακούει σε στεγανά. Τα προβλήματα των εν λόγω αντικειμένων σχετίζονται με την έλλειψη χρονολογικών επιγραφών, την μακρότατη διάρκεια ζωής τους και τις αισθητικές επεμβάσεις που δεχόταν σύμφωνα με τις αισθητικές αντιλήψεις της εκάστοτε εποχής. (Εικ. 1-3) Σταυρός από την Κρώμνη με συνανήκον πλαίσιο και πυρήνα οποίος παρά τα δημοσιευμένα παράλληλα θα πρέπει να ενταχθεί στον 19ο αιώνα. (Εικ. 4), σταυρός από το εγχώριο εμπόριο αρχαιοτήτων που αναδεικνύει το ζήτημα της μη συνύπαρξης ξυλόγλυπτου πυρήνα και μεταλλικού περιβλήματος και (Εικ. 5-6) σταυρός από το Ασβεστοχώρι Θεσσαλονίκης κατά την μακρά ζωή του δέχτηκε ποικίλες αισθητικές επεμβάσεις παρουσιάζονται αναδεικνύοντας τα ζητήματα που ανακύπτουν.
Απαραίτητο στοιχείο για το μυστήριο του αγιασμού αποτελούσε το αγγείο για το αγιασμένο ύδωρ. Το ενδιαφέρον, εδώ, αποκλίνει από πολυτελή δείγματα, σε αγγεία από χαλκό που φαίνεται πως διαμορφωνόταν σε παρόμοια σχήματα με τα αντίστοιχα αργυρά ωστόσο παραμελήθηκαν από την έρευνα. (Εικ. 7). Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο παρουσιάζονται χάλκινη λεκάνη, από ιδιωτική συλλογή με ομοιότητες σε αγγεία του 17ου και 18ου αιώνα (Εικ. 8) και χάλκινη λεκάνη από το εμπόριο που ομοιάζει με αντίστοιχη αργυρή του 19ο αιώνα (Εικ. 9). Σημειώνεται ότι οι λιγοστές εναπομείνασες μεταγενέστερες χάλκινες λεκάνες σήμερα σπανίζουν και όπου υπάρχουν αφορούν περιορισμένη χρήση (Εικ. 10).
Ἐν κύκλῳ … σχήματι. Circular Buildings of Ancient Thessaloniki: A First Approach
Aikaterini D. Ko... more Ἐν κύκλῳ … σχήματι. Circular Buildings of Ancient Thessaloniki: A First Approach
Aikaterini D. Kousoula - Xarilaos Ev. Gouidis
The original idea of tracing and grouping a particular category of findings from
rescue excavations in Thessaloniki resulted from the scientific curiosity to interpret and
to parallel a large circular building with a portico/ring, which was discovered during
excavations in Agiou Dimitriou Street in 2010.
A careful examination of the excavations carried out in Thessaloniki brought to light similar buildings, which together with the existing and enigmatic Rotunda, un expectedly revealed the existence of many more circular buildings or circularly structured foundations, scattered throughout the city, yet never assessed as a specific group of constructions with distinctive similarities in their layout (Fig. 1).
A total of six circular-floor buildings, including the Rotunda, were identified and
examined in the East (Fig. 1: 1-2 and Figs. 2-5) and two in the West of the city within the walls (Fig. 1: 3-4 and Figs. 6-9).
These buildings share some main common features: their monumentality, which is attested by their large size and luxurious construction, the correlation of their localities with large public complexes (i.e., to the east the area of the palace complex and to the west of the sanctuary of the old religion), and their unidentified role and function. Another key characteristic, deduced from the available excavation information,is their dating to Late Antiquity-Early Christian times, as the oldest circular structure is dated to the 3rd century AD and the most recent one in the early Byzantine period
ΤΟ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΟ ΕΡΓΟ ΣΤΗ ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΗ ΘΡΑΚΗ (ΑΕΜΘ) 28, 2014, 2019
Thermi/Sedes, Archaeological evidence of the byzantine period
In 2012-2013 excavations under th... more Thermi/Sedes, Archaeological evidence of the byzantine period
In 2012-2013 excavations under the direct supervision of the 9thEphorate of Byzantine Antiquities in the area of Thermi revealed the remains of a middle-byzantine craft facility. As revealed by the evidence of the pottery sherds and the coins found during the excavation, the complex, which had at least two small water tanks, was in use throughout the 11th century and before being abandoned during the 12th or 13th century, served as a domicile/residence always taking advantage of the presence of the adjacent stream. The identification of this archaeological site, despite the paucity of architectural remains, is significant because never before the existence of antiquities had been recorded in this area of Thermi, nor had been identified so far architectural remains of this period in safely dated archaeological layers. The excavation findings reveal an unknown aspect of Byzantine Sedes, as Thermi used to be named, which is known primarily from a number of written sources. To the evidence of the written sources, there can be added relevant evidence which has resulted from excavations in the modern settlement of Thermi, such as depositories used for the disposal of middle and late byzantine pottery, late byzantine burials, and several other indications. All the above confirm what has been written and combined with the texts indicate an important and flourishing Byzantine settlement.
Stavroula Tzevreni, Charilaos Ε. Gouidis
Α.Ε.Μ.Θ. 28, 2014
In 2010 in the west region of Thessaloniki began a rescue excavation which for various reasons bu... more In 2010 in the west region of Thessaloniki began a rescue excavation which for various reasons but the archaeologists will, has not been completed until today. The archaeologists revealed several structural features that date from the Late Roman to the Post Byzantine era. The predominant phase dates back to the Early Byzantine times when an ambitious plan of remodeling the area was fulfilled, as in the two massive artificial plateaus bounded by the two major ancient routes, partially aligned nowadays with St. Demetrius and Cassander streets, a grand early byzantine building complex was constructed. The complex consists of the main building with splendid and various forms of decoration, a massive atrium (measuring 23.50 m on the axis E-W and 22 m on the axis N-S) covered with very large marble slabs and enclosed by porticos and a fountain. Close to the new building and near one of the main routes, an honorary column which aimed to pass the same message as the complex was erected and in fact was the only residue that remained visible until our days (Yilan Mermer). Moreover in the very same area
circular and semicircular architectural plans and features point to similar analogs from other cities of the Empire as well as Constantinople and Thessaloniki. Finally, a broad and straight route began from there and ended at another massive building on the port connecting the two centers of the city. These new features in the planning of the city reveal the radical reshaping of Thessaloniki in accordance to Constantinople’s standards, elaborated and accomplished at least in the west part of the empire by the Christian emperors. Materials from the nearby polytheistic temples, possibly even from the temple of Antigonidon Street were taken and used for the construction of the building complex. Regarding the chronology of the complex, even though the excavation has not yet been completed, there are several features such as the building technique, the sequence of the phases, the ceramic and numismatic testimonies, the seals on the bricks, the architectural member bearing a cross and finally the form of the mosaic decorations which leave no room for misinterpretation. All the above features point out that this building complex dates back to the Early Byzantine times. But despite its monumentality the complex had a short lifetime as it was destroyed and submerged into oblivion until our days when archaeologists began to unveil and reveal it.
ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΟ ΕΡΓΟ ΜΑΚΕΔΟΝΙΑΣ ΘΡΑΚΗΣ, 2014
2004-2014: Ten Years of Recording Privately-Kept Heirlooms
A great number of heirlooms belongs to... more 2004-2014: Ten Years of Recording Privately-Kept Heirlooms
A great number of heirlooms belongs to individuals and is currently under private possession. In accordance to several international treaties the Greek State and its public services are requested to record these objects offering them a new material identity. In the years between 2004-2014 the pertinent department of the 9th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities in Thessaloniki recorded a plethora of relevant objects deriving mainly from: a) by confiscating the loot of illegal antiquities traders, in which case the department was dealing with collections of small value, b) imports and trade of heirlooms deriving from foreign states. In this case we were dealing with objects/works of high value, such as the icon of Akra Tapeinosis attributed to N. Tzafouri (Fig.2), the embroidered Epitaph of “Kokkona tou Ioannou”/of Ioanni’s Kokkona or even more unusual objects, such as the small ceramic container for holy water and the fragments of over-cloaks coming from the area of Syria and Palestine during the protobyzantine era, (Fig.5) Also, c) the written statements of the possession of family heirlooms. Within the last category the majority of the objects includes icons used in household cult practices of the refugees of Asia Minor and Pontus. These icons share some common artistic characteristics such as the pluralism, the “horror vacui” trait and the recreation of old byzantine prototypes given through new designs. The dominant position throughout the total belongs to the depiction of Virgin Mary/”Theotokos”, followed by those of saints-protectors (Fig.7-9). Also, many other types of heirlooms can be found recorded such as crosses used by the members of the church for blessing (Fig.10), manuscripts along with their metallic cases, candles/chandeliers, coins etc (Fig.11). All the above show the diversity of the heirloom wealth created mainly in places outside the present greek borders, but concentrated on it over time, becoming a great and interesting cultural capital required to be managed by the long and constructive trust-based relationship of the pertinent department.
Από την εισαγωγή της έκδοσης: «Το άρθρο…δίνει μία ενδιαφέρουσα και αντικειμενική αφήγηση του ιστο... more Από την εισαγωγή της έκδοσης: «Το άρθρο…δίνει μία ενδιαφέρουσα και αντικειμενική αφήγηση του ιστορικο-κοινωνικού περιβάλλοντος κατά τον εθνικό διχασμό και το μεσοπόλεμο, στην συνέχεια αναφέρεται στη μικρασιατική καταστροφή και στις δυσκολίες στέγασης των προσφύγων, ακόμη και μέσα σε ναούς ή και πέριξ αυτών, όπως στην περίπτωση του ναού του Αγίου Γεωργίου, της γνωστής μας Ροτόντα.
Πέρα από το θέμα της στέγασης των προσφύγων, το άρθρο τούτο αναδεικνύει με τρόπο εναργή, θεατρικό και ευχάριστο για τον αναγνώστη, ορισμένες παθογένειες της ελληνικής κοινωνίας, όσον αφορά: α) τις σχέσεις Κράτους και πολίτη, β) πολιτικών και πολιτικής τους πελατείας, γ) την αναποτελεσματικότητα του Κράτους και το διαρκή αγώνα των αρχαιολόγων για τη διαφύλαξη της πολιτισμικής μας κληρονομιάς και δ) την καταπάτηση δημόσιας ακίνητης περιουσίας από θρασύτατους ιδιώτες.»
The present article discusses the redevelopment of western Thessaloniki during the early Christia... more The present article discusses the redevelopment of western Thessaloniki during the early Christian years following the establishment of an imposing building complex, part of which was found during excavation in a plot situated in the streets Gen. Doubioti and Filota. Part of this building was possibly a monument that comprised a column situated on the vital route known in our days as Agiou Dimitriou street.
This extensive building program eliminated any previous element, whether natural or artificial, such as a composite –probably- circular building (excavation of St. Demetrius) and used materials from the ancient sanctuaries of the nearby insula sacra, permanently changing the region's and city's image.
The honorific monument with the column was in direct contact with the above mentioned complex. It consisted of a high crest of six terraces, the monolithic pedestal/pillar with the inherent base of the column, which is the only surviving element, and the high column with its crest on a capital of total height about 15m. Its comparison and similarity with other parallels, such as the “Column of the Goths” in Constantinople, structural features of the monument itself, such as the form of the base of the column, and the extraordinarily large intervention of the building complex in the north (excavation Gen. Doubioti and Filota) that eliminated everything that was not in agreement with its ideological theory, reveal an early Byzantine monument of a honorific column, like the similar examples in Rome, Constantinople, Damascus and elsewhere.
In fact, fragmentary written sources suggest that the monument with the column was a marked point in the city and the field of development of talisman theories, such as in similar monuments of Constantinople (column with snake and eagle in the Hippodrome, Nikitas Choniatis, Istoria, 861.16 ,PG). Connected with the above, perhaps, is the current known name of the monument delivered at least since the 16th century as Yilan Mermer, Marble of the Snake.
The general ensemble (building complex and monument with the column) reveals the implementation of extensive building projects in Thessaloniki, parallel to Constantinople, during the same period from Constantinian and especially the Theodosian dynasty, ideas aligned with recent discoveries of other excavations in the city.
As time passed everything was ruined or forsaken and only a portion of the honorific monument, without the column, survived detached and undeciphered amidst a confusion of beliefs and its isolation from the rest of the complex. Remains of this monuments were brought to light during excavation conducted by the 9th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities of Thessaloniki.
Das antike Dion am Fuße des Olymp ist hauptsächlich als heilige Stadt der antiken Makedonier dana... more Das antike Dion am Fuße des Olymp ist hauptsächlich als heilige Stadt der antiken Makedonier danach als robuste römische Kolonie bekannt. Für die Folgejahre reduziert sich allmählich der Informationsfluss mit der Konsequenz, dass insbesondere in dem 20en Jahrhundert Theorien aufgestellt wurden, die Siedlung wäre nach dem 6. Jahrhundert n.Ch. vollständig verwüstet worden. Die Überprüfung der bereits bekannten Informationen und deren logischer Abgleich widerspricht allerdings diese Theorie. Es existieren Quellen aus Münzen und Schriften, eine zeitliche Abfolge von Instandsetzungsarbeiten bei der Bischofskirche u.a., welche die Fortsetzung des Lebens im Ort im Verlauf des 6ten und 7ten Jh. nachweisen. Selbst für die folgenden Jahrhunderte gibt es einige Indizien, wie nicht publizierte Münzen. Als nächstes festes zeitliches Element geht die Kirche des heiligen Demetrios von Malathria hervor.
ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ, Επιστημονική Επετηρίδα του Κέντρου Ιστορίας Θεσσαλονίκης του Δήμου Θεσσαλονίκης, 2013
Rescue excavations conducted by 9th D.B.A at a building site (at 19 P.P.Germanou Str.) in the cen... more Rescue excavations conducted by 9th D.B.A at a building site (at 19 P.P.Germanou Str.) in the centre of Thessaloniki have yielded mobile and immobile archaeological remains. At the rear of the building site investigations revealed parts of rooms, at a considerable size, related to water use. They are recognized to belong to large baths identified with the double baths of the early ottoman period which dominated the district. The ottoman registers of the 19th century mention the founder of the construction to be GAZI ÇOBAN BOSNAK MUSTAFA PASA, who also was the viser of two sultans, and died in 1529 in Constantinople. During the excavations different parts of the baths were located. The construction is characterized by distinctive features and structural specifications. Based on relevant photographic material of the late 19th and early 20th century the identification of the building structure can now be feasible. The edifice belongs to the architectural type A, used in large early ottoman baths. The baths have disappeared from the visible building level of the city and belief was established that they had been destroyed by the great fire in 1917. However, they stood upright among burnt ruins but they gave rise to much controversy as to whether, they should be preserved or demolished. The second opinion prevailed and the baths turned into ruins for the new buildings to be erected. They were soon forgotten and confusion was widespread about their initial location until archaeological investigation clarified the issue and thus restored a small part of the history of Thessaloniki.
In diesem Artikel wird die offizielle kaiserliche Macht/Präsenz in der Stadt von Thessaloniki erf... more In diesem Artikel wird die offizielle kaiserliche Macht/Präsenz in der Stadt von Thessaloniki erforscht, welche durch den Bau von großen Bauten gekennzeichnet ist. Ganze Stadtteile, wie der Hafenbereich in konstantinischer Zeit, wurden nach antiker schriftlicher Überlieferung durch neue Bauten umgestaltet. Entsprechend sind die Funde auch in dem Stadtteil nördlich des Hafens zwischen der Agiou Dimitriou und Doumbioti Straße. Dort brachte ans Tageslicht die archäologische Hake ein monumentales öffentliches Gebäude der frühchristlichen Zeit, dessen Bestandteil auch das benachbarte Säulenmonument war.
Rescue excavations conducted by 9th D.B.A. at a building site (at 19 P. P. Germanou str.) in the ... more Rescue excavations conducted by 9th D.B.A. at a building site (at 19 P. P. Germanou str.) in the centre of Thessaloniki have yielded mobile and immobile archaeological remains. At the rear of the building site investigations revealed parts of rooms, at a considerable height, related to water use. They are recognized to belong to large baths identified with the double baths of the early ottoman period which dominated the district. The ottoman registers of the 19th century mention the founder of the construction to be Gazi Çoban Bosnak Mustafa Pasa, who also was the vizier of two sultans, and died in 1529 in Constantinople.
During the excavations different parts of the baths were located. The construction is characterized by distinctive features and structural specifications. Based on relevant photographic material of the late 19th and early 20th century the identification of the building structure can now be feasible. The edifice belongs to the architectural type A, used in large early ottoman baths.
The baths had disappeared from the visible building level of the city and belief was established that they had been destroyed by the great fire in 1917. However, they stood up-right among burnt ruins but they gave rise to much controversy as to whether, they should be preserved or demolished. The second opinion prevailed and the baths turned into ruins for the new buildings to be erected. They were soon forgotten and confusion was widespread about their initial location until archaeological investigation clarified the issue and thus restored a small part of the history of Thessaloniki.
Conference Presentations by Charilaos E Gouidis
11.30 -13.35 6. Luminiţa BEJENARU, Angela SIMALCSIK, Ion TENTIUC, Valeriu BUBULICI Remains of bea... more 11.30 -13.35 6. Luminiţa BEJENARU, Angela SIMALCSIK, Ion TENTIUC, Valeriu BUBULICI Remains of bear-skin in a cremation burial of late Iron Age, discovered in Mana-Orhei (Republic of Moldova) 7. Andrei SOFICARU, Claudia RADU, Mariana PROCIUC, Ştefan HONCU Humans and animals in the same pit. Preliminary results regarding the burial M 141 from Slava Rusă 8. Charilaos Ev. GOUIDIS, Eirini K. TEKIDOU
Symposia, Conferences, Workshops by Charilaos E Gouidis
Smyrna, postcard, early 20 th century, © The D. Loupis Visual Collection of Islamic Architecture ... more Smyrna, postcard, early 20 th century, © The D. Loupis Visual Collection of Islamic Architecture Second Day -Saturday 23 May 2026 5 th Session -THESSALONIKI I Chair: Eleni KANETAKI 09.00-09.20 Elli GALA-GEORGILA Hammams, infrastructure networks, and the urban fabric of Thessaloniki in the Early Ottoman Period 09.20-09.40 Konstantinos T. RAPTIS -Eleftheria FANTIDOU The Bey Hammamı in Thessaloniki 09.40-10.00 Konstantinos T. RAPTIS The Ottoman phase of the Byzantine Bath in Thessaloniki 10.00-10.20 Questions -Discussion 10.20-10.40 Coffee Break 6 th Session -THESSALONIKI II Chair: Paschalis ANDROUDIS 10.40-11.00 Eleftheria FANTIDOU -Krino KONSTANTINIDOU Paşa Hammamı ("Foinix" Baths) in Thessaloniki
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ΠΑΛΑΙΟΛΟΓΕΙΟΣ ΝΑΟΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΑΚΡΟΠΟΛΗ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ
Σε σωστική ανασκαφή οικοπέδου εντός της βυζαντινής Ακρόπολης της
Θεσσαλονίκης, αποκαλύφθηκε το 2019 τμήμα της κόγχης του Ιερού Βήματος και του βορείου διαμερίσματος ναού των υστεροβυζαντινών χρόνων (13ος-14ος) καθώς και εκτενές κοιμητήριο της ίδιας εποχής (Σχδ.1, Εικ.1-2). Επίσης, αποκαλύφθηκε εντός της κόγχης το δάπεδο του Ιερού και η κτιστή Αγία Τράπεζα. Από τον τοιχογραφικό διάκοσμο της κόγχης, διατηρήθηκε η παράσταση της Άκρας Ταπείνωσης στην Πρόθεση και η παράσταση του Μελισμού, εξαίρετα δείγματα της Παλαιολόγειας τέχνης (Σχδ.2, Εικ.2-8). Στο βόρειο διαμέρισμα και εξωτερικά της κόγχης εκτείνεται πυκνό κοιμητήριο της ίδιας περιόδου, που ανήκει στον οικισμό της Ακρόπολης των βυζαντινών χρόνων (Σχδ.2, Εικ.9-10).
PALAIOLOGAN CHURCH IN THE ACROPOLIS OF THESSALONIKI
In 2019, during a rescue excavation in a plot of land located within the Byzantine Acropolis region in Thessaloniki, part of the apse of the Sanctuary and the northern part of the nave of a Byzantine church dating back to the Late Byzantine era (13 th -14 th ) was discovered, as well as an extensive cemetery of the same era (Plan1, Fig.1-2). Also, within the apse, the floor and the built Altar of the Sanctuary were unveiled. The preserved parts from the painted wall decoration of the apse were the representation of the Man of Sorrows (Prothesis) and the representation of Melismos (Sanctuary), fine specimens of Palaiologan art (Plan2, Fig.2-8). In the northern part of the nave and on the outer part of the apse, a dense cemetery of the same era expands, that belongs to the settlement of the Acropolis of the Byzantine era (Plan 2, Fig.9-10)
In 2009-2012, under the supervision of the 9th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, archaeologists excavated a plot in close proximity to the western walls of the Acropolis. The earliest phase represented by the few building remains dates back to the Roman imperial times. In the northwestern part of the plot there was revealed part of water concentration system consisting of three wells carved into the local stone. The wells were linked together by a duct (qanat). A road section coated with schist dates back to 4th-6th century A. D. The road is later abandoned and the area was used as a graveyard for the Christians of Thessaloniki, as shown by the eleven Christian graves that were opened in the former roadway. In the same chronological period fall three built water pipes discovered during the excavation. At the eastern boundary of the plot there was revealed part of the smaller external wall which went along with the main walls of the Acropolis. The discovery of the external wall certifies its existence in front of the main wall, in this certain area of the city. The important findings show the daily struggle of the people in order to survive and create in safety and their position in the social stratification, represented by the simplicity of their burial structures.
Since the early post byzantine era, silver was an important factor of economic development for the ottoman empire and for the craft of metallurgy, whose major client was the orthodox church. The cross emerging in new forms expressing the ideology of the time was a dominant artifact among the variety of holy relics. Among the crosses those with wooden core and metallic covering were popular. Problems concerning the lack of chronology, the long use and the multiple aesthetic modifications cording to the criteria of each era are among the common questions. (Pic.1-3) A cross from Kromni that should be dated to the 19th century in spite the published parallel findings, (Pic.4) a cross from the antiquities market highlighting the lack of coexistence of wooden core and metallic covering and (Pic.5-6) a cross from Asvestochori subjected to numerous modifications are presented here emphasizing the questions. An indispensable element for the mystery of the holy water was the vessel containing it. Here our interest moves away from the valuable metals and particularly in copper vessels that were imitating silver examples and were neglected by research (Pic.7) The resemblance between the vessels is presented here. (Pic.8) A copper bowl from a private collection with affinities to examples of parallel vessels dating to the 17th and 18th century (Pic.9) and a copper bowl from the market that carries resemblance of a silver 19th century one is presented. (Pic.10) Finally, we should note that the few copper bowls left today are of very restricted use.
"19ου ΑΙΩΝΟΣ ΑΓΙΑΣΜΟΥ «ΣΚΕΥΗ ΧΑΛΚΕΑ», «ΣΚΕΥΗ ΑΡΓΥΡΑ» ΚΑΙ ΣΚΕΨΕΙΣ ΓΙΑ ΑΥΤΑ"
Από τους πρώιμους μεταβυζαντινούς χρόνους ο άργυρος αποτέλεσε παράγοντα οικονομικής ανάπτυξης της οθωμανικής επικράτειας και της μεταλλοτεχνίας, της οποίας κύριος παραγγελιοδότης ήταν η ορθόδοξη εκκλησία. Μεταξύ του πλήθους σχετικών αντικειμένων κυριαρχούσε το σύμβολο του σταυρού σε νέες φόρμες της εποχής. Μια μεγάλη ομάδα μεταβυζαντινών σταυρών αποτελούν αυτοί με ξυλόγλυπτο πυρήνα και μεταλλικό περίβλημα. Διαχωρίζονται περαιτέρω σε αγιασμού, με κυκλική βάση και ευλογίας χωρίς βάση. Η διάκριση μεταξύ τους δεν υπακούει σε στεγανά. Τα προβλήματα των εν λόγω αντικειμένων σχετίζονται με την έλλειψη χρονολογικών επιγραφών, την μακρότατη διάρκεια ζωής τους και τις αισθητικές επεμβάσεις που δεχόταν σύμφωνα με τις αισθητικές αντιλήψεις της εκάστοτε εποχής. (Εικ. 1-3) Σταυρός από την Κρώμνη με συνανήκον πλαίσιο και πυρήνα οποίος παρά τα δημοσιευμένα παράλληλα θα πρέπει να ενταχθεί στον 19ο αιώνα. (Εικ. 4), σταυρός από το εγχώριο εμπόριο αρχαιοτήτων που αναδεικνύει το ζήτημα της μη συνύπαρξης ξυλόγλυπτου πυρήνα και μεταλλικού περιβλήματος και (Εικ. 5-6) σταυρός από το Ασβεστοχώρι Θεσσαλονίκης κατά την μακρά ζωή του δέχτηκε ποικίλες αισθητικές επεμβάσεις παρουσιάζονται αναδεικνύοντας τα ζητήματα που ανακύπτουν.
Απαραίτητο στοιχείο για το μυστήριο του αγιασμού αποτελούσε το αγγείο για το αγιασμένο ύδωρ. Το ενδιαφέρον, εδώ, αποκλίνει από πολυτελή δείγματα, σε αγγεία από χαλκό που φαίνεται πως διαμορφωνόταν σε παρόμοια σχήματα με τα αντίστοιχα αργυρά ωστόσο παραμελήθηκαν από την έρευνα. (Εικ. 7). Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο παρουσιάζονται χάλκινη λεκάνη, από ιδιωτική συλλογή με ομοιότητες σε αγγεία του 17ου και 18ου αιώνα (Εικ. 8) και χάλκινη λεκάνη από το εμπόριο που ομοιάζει με αντίστοιχη αργυρή του 19ο αιώνα (Εικ. 9). Σημειώνεται ότι οι λιγοστές εναπομείνασες μεταγενέστερες χάλκινες λεκάνες σήμερα σπανίζουν και όπου υπάρχουν αφορούν περιορισμένη χρήση (Εικ. 10).
Aikaterini D. Kousoula - Xarilaos Ev. Gouidis
The original idea of tracing and grouping a particular category of findings from
rescue excavations in Thessaloniki resulted from the scientific curiosity to interpret and
to parallel a large circular building with a portico/ring, which was discovered during
excavations in Agiou Dimitriou Street in 2010.
A careful examination of the excavations carried out in Thessaloniki brought to light similar buildings, which together with the existing and enigmatic Rotunda, un expectedly revealed the existence of many more circular buildings or circularly structured foundations, scattered throughout the city, yet never assessed as a specific group of constructions with distinctive similarities in their layout (Fig. 1).
A total of six circular-floor buildings, including the Rotunda, were identified and
examined in the East (Fig. 1: 1-2 and Figs. 2-5) and two in the West of the city within the walls (Fig. 1: 3-4 and Figs. 6-9).
These buildings share some main common features: their monumentality, which is attested by their large size and luxurious construction, the correlation of their localities with large public complexes (i.e., to the east the area of the palace complex and to the west of the sanctuary of the old religion), and their unidentified role and function. Another key characteristic, deduced from the available excavation information,is their dating to Late Antiquity-Early Christian times, as the oldest circular structure is dated to the 3rd century AD and the most recent one in the early Byzantine period
In 2012-2013 excavations under the direct supervision of the 9thEphorate of Byzantine Antiquities in the area of Thermi revealed the remains of a middle-byzantine craft facility. As revealed by the evidence of the pottery sherds and the coins found during the excavation, the complex, which had at least two small water tanks, was in use throughout the 11th century and before being abandoned during the 12th or 13th century, served as a domicile/residence always taking advantage of the presence of the adjacent stream. The identification of this archaeological site, despite the paucity of architectural remains, is significant because never before the existence of antiquities had been recorded in this area of Thermi, nor had been identified so far architectural remains of this period in safely dated archaeological layers. The excavation findings reveal an unknown aspect of Byzantine Sedes, as Thermi used to be named, which is known primarily from a number of written sources. To the evidence of the written sources, there can be added relevant evidence which has resulted from excavations in the modern settlement of Thermi, such as depositories used for the disposal of middle and late byzantine pottery, late byzantine burials, and several other indications. All the above confirm what has been written and combined with the texts indicate an important and flourishing Byzantine settlement.
Stavroula Tzevreni, Charilaos Ε. Gouidis
circular and semicircular architectural plans and features point to similar analogs from other cities of the Empire as well as Constantinople and Thessaloniki. Finally, a broad and straight route began from there and ended at another massive building on the port connecting the two centers of the city. These new features in the planning of the city reveal the radical reshaping of Thessaloniki in accordance to Constantinople’s standards, elaborated and accomplished at least in the west part of the empire by the Christian emperors. Materials from the nearby polytheistic temples, possibly even from the temple of Antigonidon Street were taken and used for the construction of the building complex. Regarding the chronology of the complex, even though the excavation has not yet been completed, there are several features such as the building technique, the sequence of the phases, the ceramic and numismatic testimonies, the seals on the bricks, the architectural member bearing a cross and finally the form of the mosaic decorations which leave no room for misinterpretation. All the above features point out that this building complex dates back to the Early Byzantine times. But despite its monumentality the complex had a short lifetime as it was destroyed and submerged into oblivion until our days when archaeologists began to unveil and reveal it.
A great number of heirlooms belongs to individuals and is currently under private possession. In accordance to several international treaties the Greek State and its public services are requested to record these objects offering them a new material identity. In the years between 2004-2014 the pertinent department of the 9th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities in Thessaloniki recorded a plethora of relevant objects deriving mainly from: a) by confiscating the loot of illegal antiquities traders, in which case the department was dealing with collections of small value, b) imports and trade of heirlooms deriving from foreign states. In this case we were dealing with objects/works of high value, such as the icon of Akra Tapeinosis attributed to N. Tzafouri (Fig.2), the embroidered Epitaph of “Kokkona tou Ioannou”/of Ioanni’s Kokkona or even more unusual objects, such as the small ceramic container for holy water and the fragments of over-cloaks coming from the area of Syria and Palestine during the protobyzantine era, (Fig.5) Also, c) the written statements of the possession of family heirlooms. Within the last category the majority of the objects includes icons used in household cult practices of the refugees of Asia Minor and Pontus. These icons share some common artistic characteristics such as the pluralism, the “horror vacui” trait and the recreation of old byzantine prototypes given through new designs. The dominant position throughout the total belongs to the depiction of Virgin Mary/”Theotokos”, followed by those of saints-protectors (Fig.7-9). Also, many other types of heirlooms can be found recorded such as crosses used by the members of the church for blessing (Fig.10), manuscripts along with their metallic cases, candles/chandeliers, coins etc (Fig.11). All the above show the diversity of the heirloom wealth created mainly in places outside the present greek borders, but concentrated on it over time, becoming a great and interesting cultural capital required to be managed by the long and constructive trust-based relationship of the pertinent department.
Πέρα από το θέμα της στέγασης των προσφύγων, το άρθρο τούτο αναδεικνύει με τρόπο εναργή, θεατρικό και ευχάριστο για τον αναγνώστη, ορισμένες παθογένειες της ελληνικής κοινωνίας, όσον αφορά: α) τις σχέσεις Κράτους και πολίτη, β) πολιτικών και πολιτικής τους πελατείας, γ) την αναποτελεσματικότητα του Κράτους και το διαρκή αγώνα των αρχαιολόγων για τη διαφύλαξη της πολιτισμικής μας κληρονομιάς και δ) την καταπάτηση δημόσιας ακίνητης περιουσίας από θρασύτατους ιδιώτες.»
This extensive building program eliminated any previous element, whether natural or artificial, such as a composite –probably- circular building (excavation of St. Demetrius) and used materials from the ancient sanctuaries of the nearby insula sacra, permanently changing the region's and city's image.
The honorific monument with the column was in direct contact with the above mentioned complex. It consisted of a high crest of six terraces, the monolithic pedestal/pillar with the inherent base of the column, which is the only surviving element, and the high column with its crest on a capital of total height about 15m. Its comparison and similarity with other parallels, such as the “Column of the Goths” in Constantinople, structural features of the monument itself, such as the form of the base of the column, and the extraordinarily large intervention of the building complex in the north (excavation Gen. Doubioti and Filota) that eliminated everything that was not in agreement with its ideological theory, reveal an early Byzantine monument of a honorific column, like the similar examples in Rome, Constantinople, Damascus and elsewhere.
In fact, fragmentary written sources suggest that the monument with the column was a marked point in the city and the field of development of talisman theories, such as in similar monuments of Constantinople (column with snake and eagle in the Hippodrome, Nikitas Choniatis, Istoria, 861.16 ,PG). Connected with the above, perhaps, is the current known name of the monument delivered at least since the 16th century as Yilan Mermer, Marble of the Snake.
The general ensemble (building complex and monument with the column) reveals the implementation of extensive building projects in Thessaloniki, parallel to Constantinople, during the same period from Constantinian and especially the Theodosian dynasty, ideas aligned with recent discoveries of other excavations in the city.
As time passed everything was ruined or forsaken and only a portion of the honorific monument, without the column, survived detached and undeciphered amidst a confusion of beliefs and its isolation from the rest of the complex. Remains of this monuments were brought to light during excavation conducted by the 9th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities of Thessaloniki.
During the excavations different parts of the baths were located. The construction is characterized by distinctive features and structural specifications. Based on relevant photographic material of the late 19th and early 20th century the identification of the building structure can now be feasible. The edifice belongs to the architectural type A, used in large early ottoman baths.
The baths had disappeared from the visible building level of the city and belief was established that they had been destroyed by the great fire in 1917. However, they stood up-right among burnt ruins but they gave rise to much controversy as to whether, they should be preserved or demolished. The second opinion prevailed and the baths turned into ruins for the new buildings to be erected. They were soon forgotten and confusion was widespread about their initial location until archaeological investigation clarified the issue and thus restored a small part of the history of Thessaloniki.
Conference Presentations by Charilaos E Gouidis
Symposia, Conferences, Workshops by Charilaos E Gouidis