Sesklo
Archaeological Site Neolithic settlement site representing early Greek agricultural communities
Near Volos in Thessaly, Sesklo is a Neolithic archaeological settlement with remains of mud-brick houses and pottery; visitors study early farming life at the site and its accompanying local museum.
Sesklo is a Neolithic tell and archaeological site in Thessaly, Greece, that lends its name to the early farming ‘Sesklo culture.’ The site contains some of the earliest settled domestic architecture in mainland Greece, with occupation beginning in the sixth millennium BCE.
Excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries established the sequence of occupation and identified a local cultural assemblage now termed the Sesklo culture, dating from roughly the sixth to the fifth millennia BCE. The site documents transitions in prehistoric farming communities in Thessaly.
The tell sits near the modern village of Sesklo in the Thessaly region of central Greece, close to the city of Volos and set within the agricultural plain of the Pagasetic Gulf.
- Cultural significance: Gave its name to the 'Sesklo culture', one of the defining Neolithic cultural phases in Thessaly and mainland Greece.
- Where to see artifacts: Many finds from excavations are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Volos, which provides context for the site's Neolithic occupation.
How to Get to Sesklo #
Sesklo is about 12-15 km northeast of Volos. Drive or take local transport toward the village of Sesklo; the site is signposted on minor roads off the main coastal route.
Tips for Visiting Sesklo #
- Visit the archaeological museum in nearby Volos for finds and context before heading to the Sesklo site.
- The tell is compact - bring a hat for the exposed summit area and a camera for the panoramic views over the Pagasetic Gulf.
Best Time to Visit Sesklo #
Best visited in milder months to avoid the mid-summer heat common in Thessaly.
Weather & Climate near Sesklo #
Sesklo's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 32°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 17 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
