(GREEK NEWS AGENDA) Dimitrios Pantermalis, president of the Acropolis Museum, presented on July 11 the book “Ancient Dion-40 Years of Excavations” on the occasion of the 38th Olympus Festival at the archaeological site of Dion. 
On the northeastern slopes of Mt Olympus, Dion -an ancient Macedonian city- was the most sacred place for Macedonians, dedicated to Zeus. The lush environs of Dion are steeped in mythology, including stories that explain the origin of the name Macedonia. Ancient Dion’s numerous temples, theaters, bath complexes, stone-paved streets, tombs and a set of impressive fortifications bear witness to a very prosperous and historic place of political and religious importance. Philip II and Alexander the Great both celebrated military victories at Dion, making lavish sacrifices to Zeus and staging athletic contests. Today, the site of Dion constitutes the hub of a spacious and well organised archaeological park, while various performances are being staged at its ancient theatre, as part of the annual Olympus Festival. Athens Plus: Dark Myths and Cool Walks in the Shadow of Mt Olympus (10.07.09) pdf
Filed under: Archaeology, Greece, history, theater | Tagged: Alexander the Great, ANCIENT, culture, Dimitrios, Dion, Macedonia, Macedonians, Mount, Olympus, Pantermalis, Philip II | Comments Off on Dion: 40 years of Excavations
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