THASOS Limenas. - Macellum - 2007

The macellum. J.-Y. Marc (EfA/Strasbourg 2) reports on continuing excavation of areas between the courtyard of the macellum and the court of the hundred flagstones, and on architectural analysis of the remains (Figs 2). The same destruction layer was found in all areas explored, consisting of collapsed mud-brick mixed with elements of roofing. Excavation of the underlying layers confirms that the building housed workshops, at least during the most recent phases, mostly for glass and metal working. An important hoard of 22 denarii from the Republican era, buried shortly after the date of the last strike (48 BC, i.e. at the time of the Battle of Pharsala) was found in room P54. This discovery significantly backdates our knowledge of denarius circulation in N Greece.
It is now established that the SW building showed the same overall plan and internal organization from the beginning of the Hel period until the end of occupation in the E7th Ct AD. The general lines of the monumental centre of Thasos were laid out in the 1st half of the 3rd Ct BC, if not earlier: this involved not only the agora, but in a unified and contemporary conception, a monumental square to the S dedicated to economic activity. The ambition of this programme, very close to the major urban development of the metropoleis of Asia Minor, is now confirmed.

A special study was made of the different types of decoration in the complex − painted surfaces, cladding, opus sectile and mosaic. Just over 700 fragments of marble are now known, representing only a small proportion of the surface wall decoration between the Ionic passage and the passage leading to the courtyard of the hundred flagstones. Study proceeded room by room: a single room of P45, the centre of the SE wing of the macellum, produced a collection of almost 100 fragments of marble, remarkable for their extreme diversity (13 varieties in all). Typological study permits the distinction of several types which relate to 2 different decorative sequences. In parallel, study of ceramics and industrial equipment continued. Ovenwares predominate, reflecting either culinary activity or a craft requiring such products; some such craft may also explain the abundant presence of an unparalleled type of pan or basin with a circular base and an oval opening. Large storage jars, pithoi or dolia, were scarce. A comprehensive inventory of equipment related to production was also made: this consisted mostly of artefacts from the production of glass and bronze. Iron working is poorly represented; silver production is also present.