1The archaeological site of Achlada, Florina, is becoming one of the most important in Macedonia. This is the site of some 200 burials that have been discovered thus far during a rescue excavation that is now in its sixth year. Of these burials, 75 date mainly to the Αrchaic period. The finds from the specific area that escaped looting testify to the wealth, aristocratic origin, heroic character, and leading role of some families of the Macedonian aristocracy in the political and social life of ancient Lyngos during the second half of the sixth century B.C.E.

2Although graves at the site yielded spectacular objects, such as a gold face mask, bronze helmets, iron weapons, and objects in gold and silver, the terracotta figurines also are of particular interest. One grave was found to contain a large terracotta statuette believed to represent a sphinx holding a lyre that dates to the earlier sixth century. This was accompanied by an Archaic East Greek kore alabastron and a figurine of a seated woman. There also is mention of a bust possibly representing Hercules with the lion-skin over his head, also dating to the Archaic period.

Achlada, Florina: Burial with figurine of a sphinx, a sculptured vase et al.

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Photo: Ministry of Culture