Ancient Nicopolis Page 3

The ruins are quite overgrown, making visits to this site rather arduous.

The Theater is the first obvious structure, to the right of the road, with the walls of the prosenium still standing, and the auditorium rising to the upper portico, where storks have built their nests. The stone seats have disappeared.

The Stadium, off on a dirt road to the left, was rounded at both ends-a feature unusual in Greece but typical in Asia Minor. Further on is the village of Smyrtoula near which are the remains of the monument erected by Augustus after his battle on the site where his tent had been before it, consisting of a massive podium of masonry with grooves cut into them which may have had ships' prows attached to them. This monument was of the Corinthian order. There are also fragments of a frieze with a Latin inscription commemorating the victory lying about, the inscription carved in beautiful large letters, one fragment with the letters TUNO, which indicate that the monument was dedicated to Neptune.

There are ruined baths, remains of the 6th century AD Basilika of Alkyson, two mosaic heads, surviving from it. The Walls built by Justinian are well preserved, and extend for around 500 meters. The Odeion has been restored for the annual festival of ancient drama. To the north are some ruins of the old Aqueduct which brought water from the Louros springs, followed by the Nymphaeum. Near the Museum is the 6th century AD Basilika of Doumetios, with fine floor mosaics;adjacent is the archbishops' palace. Near the south wall is a smaller basilika and outside the walls Basilika Delta with a peacock mosaic floor.

The Museum, established in 1972, is open Tues-Sun, 8:30am -2:30pm; 2 euros admission. It houses inscribed stelai bases and gravestones (Lobby); in the inner galleries are statues, sarcophagi, Roman portraits, a grave Lion, rings, lamps, a huge glass urn. '

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