Akanthos (Greece)

Akanthos was an ancient Greek city on the northern coast of the Chalkidiki peninsula in what is now northern Greece. The settlement originated in the Archaic period and remained occupied through the Hellenistic and Roman eras.

Remains at and near the modern village of Ierissos include city walls, foundations of public buildings and scattered tombs and inscriptions. Finds excavated from the site are displayed in the local archaeological museum in Ierissos, which helps interpret the visible ruins.

The city minted its own coins and took part in regional trade and politics during antiquity, with continued urban activity into the Roman period. The archaeological footprint lies on the northeastern coast of Chalkidiki facing the Gulf of Athos near the modern town of Ierissos.

• Ierissos museum: Most excavated artifacts from the site are exhibited in the archaeological museum in the nearby town of Ierissos, which provides useful context before visiting the ruins.

What to See #

• Acropolis: Elevated core of the ancient settlement where public buildings and defensive works were concentrated, visible as foundations and wall remains at the site.
• Necropolis: Funerary areas located outside the ancient town containing rock-cut and chamber tombs; many grave finds from here are displayed in the local museum.