2,500-year-old lost city on a Greek hilltop

A research team discovered the ruins of a 2,500-year-old city, covering more than 40 hectares on a Greek hilltop, with many ancient pottery and coins.

2,500-year-old city found on Greek hilltop. Photo: SIA/EFAK/YPPOA.

Archaeologists from the University of Gothenburg and Bournemouth University have discovered a 2,500-year-old city while exploring the ruins of the village of Vlochos north of Athens, Greece, Independent reported today.

After finding many ancient pottery and coins dating back to around 500 BC, the team went on to discover the remains of towers, walls and gates on the top and slopes of the hill.

"The site previously thought to be the remains of a settlement is actually the remains of an important city. We found plazas and a street system that indicate a fairly large city. The area inside the city walls covers more than 40 hectares," said Robin Ronnlund, head of the research team.

Ronnlund suggests that the city flourished between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, before being abandoned due to Roman conquests.

The next research project is scheduled to begin in August next year. They hope to use methods such as ground-penetrating radar scanning instead of excavation to preserve the city's original state.

"Our project will provide more information about ancient cities in the region. It also shows that there are many undiscovered ruins in Greece," said Ronnlund.

According to VNE