ZONI Mesimbria - 2006

Zoni (Mesimbria). P. Tsatsopoulou (ΙΘ΄ ΕΠΚΑ) reviews the past 3 seasons of work in the territory of Zoni, identifying the main points of defence and discussing the potential identity of sites. W of the valley of Zoni, the valley of Petroton shows evidence of continuous occupation from the PH to the LRom period. This is the only area with a harbour capable of handling external trade. On the W side of the valley, the area of Mikros Elaionas (1,000masl) has traces of anc. settlement covering ca. 2ha (rectangular buildings, roof tiles and Cl and Hel sherds). The site is protected to the W, NW and NE by 3 peaks which have evidence of fortification and sherds of Thracian pottery. Three main routes inland from the coastal plain around Zoni are discussed: a 200m l. stretch of wall ca. 3km from the sea is identified alongside one of them.
The plain around mod. Perama and Komaro is defended by 2 peak strongholds, both with traces of fortification and Hel and Thracian sherds. A 3rd peak defends the main route down to Zoni. The easternmost of these 3 peaks has direct visual connection with mod. Makri (anc. Sali), with traces of a PH peribolos.
A brief review of finds from Zoni itself emphasizes the importance of the large collection of inscriptions in the Thracian language (2 on stone, plus a collection of 300 graffiti in Gr script on pottery from the Sanctuary of Apollo).