Ancient Agora of Kos

In antiquity the Agora (=market) of each city was its commercial and social center. The Ancient Agora of Kos is one of the largest markets that have been excavated so far in Greece. It was built in the 4th century B.C. at a short distance from the harbor. When the main town of Kos was recognized as an important administrative center (after 366 B.C.), important administrative buildings and temples were also built in the area of the port. The Agora was the 'heart' and financial center of the island with streets, shops, workshops and altars.

The site was excavated by the Italian Archaeological School during the reconstruction of the city some years after the devastating earthquake of 1933. The ancient market consisted of three main arcades: East, West and North, which met in the middle in a large inner courtyard. The North arcade united the market with the city walls, while the other two included various shops serving the daily needs of the citizens.

The island was frequently hit by earthquakes and the city had to be reconstructed every time. The different materials used each time have helped archaeologists divide the constant reconstruction in three phases. The earthquake of the 6th or 5th century BC did not leave traces in the city's construction history. In 366 BC and throughout the 3rd century, the buildings were constructed with “amygdalopetra” (travertine) and limestone. The next period is the characterized by the use of marble. The 2nd century BC is known for the monumental buildings which endowed the city with the element of grandiosity. The reconstruction that followed the earthquake of 142 AD (The reign of Antoninus Pius) changed the appearance of the city. Masonry was developed and the baths, the theater and the stadium were built. The earthquake of 469 AD (The reign of Leo I) was important as it signifies the end of the ancient city and the beginning of the early Christian period. Excavations on the East of the ancient Agora have brought to light a part of the layout of the city plan with wide roads and four blocks with houses and shops.

Today the market is part of the wide archaeological zone of the port. In this area you can see part of the fortifications of the city, the temples of Venus and Hercules, remains of houses, but also a part of the ancient port. It is worth mentioning that most of the ancient agora is buried beneath the modern city.

Free admission.

Ancient Agora, Κos
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