Ancient Agora Square: Thessaloniki's Roman Heart

The Ancient Agora Square, or Roman Forum, is located in the heart of Thessaloniki and stands as a testament to the city's importance during the Roman era. Constructed in the late 2nd century AD on the site of an older Macedonian-period forum, the Agora was the center of political, economic, and social life in Thessaloniki. Excavations in the 1960s revealed a large, two-terraced forum complex. The rectangular, stone-paved square, measuring 146m by 97m, was surrounded by stoas (covered walkways) with two-tiered columns, shops, and public buildings. The well-preserved ruins include a restored ancient amphitheater (Odeon), Corinthian columns, Roman baths, and mosaic floors. The Odeon, with a capacity of 2000-2500 people after reconstruction, was used for musical performances and gladiatorial contests. Visitors can explore the cryptoporticus, a double subterranean stoa that once housed shops and served as an ancient shopping mall. The small museum on-site displays artifacts found during the excavations, providing insights into the history of the Agora and Thessaloniki. Until the 19th century, a series of statues of the Muses, known as the Incantadas, adorned the Agora. These statues, which were significant to the city's Sephardic Jewish community, are now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Today, the Ancient Agora Square offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and imagine life in Roman Thessaloniki. The site is surrounded by modern cafes and shops, creating a blend of ancient history and contemporary city life.