Molyvoti, Thrace, Archaeological Project: 2013 Preliminary Report

Nathan T. Arrington, Domna Terzopoulou, Marina Tasaklaki, Mark L. Lawall, Demetrios J. Brellas & Chantel E. White

Hesperia

85.1 (January-March 2016): 1-64

Abstract

The Molyvoti, Thrace, Archaeological Project (MTAP) investigates the settlement inconclusively identified as ancient Stryme in its evolving regional, political, economic, and cultural contexts. This article outlines the project goals, summarizes prior archaeological activity at the site, and presents the results of the first season. Geophysical survey provided new data on the city’s grid plan, while excavation uncovered Classical roads and structures, an enigmatic circular feature, and a 20th-century war trench. Late Roman structures were identified at the site for the first time. This article proposes a new chronology for the city, examines the changing scope of its economic activity, and discusses its decline and later reoccupation. Preliminary catalogues of amphoras and coins accompany the report.