NIKOPOLIS - South gate and fortifications - 2001

Nikopolis, South gate and fortification wall. K. Zachos (ΙΒ' ΕΠΚΑ) reports. The foundation of the east branch of the wall was exposed on the interior. Outside this wall were two mausolea (4 and 5) and a group of built graves and tile graves. Mausoleum 4, in opus testaceum, had a south entrance, and two niches in the north wall and one in the east. Mausoleum 5, half destroyed by a modern road, contained two cist tombs. In addition, 11 cist tombs and 14 tile graves were found, mostly looted.

Inside the east tower, three steps probably led to the upper storey and the circuit around the wall. The tower, which was entered via an arched passage through the north wall, contained terracotta floor tiles: the interior had undergone a number of modifications. North of the tower was a connected row of three rooms, the southernmost of which was the prothalamos of the tower. The middle room (A) contained a channel and a structure probably for water collection in the middle of the brick floor. A section of limestone paved road lay to the west of room A.