ROMAN REMAINS

THE GALLERIUS COMPLEX

Around 300 AD Gallerius, governor of the eastern part of the Roman Empire, decided to establish his official residence in Thessaloniki. Thus on the east side of Egnatia Street he erected some impressive buildings, which comprise the so-called Gallerius Complex. These buildings include the Rotunda, the Triumphant Arch, the Palace, the Octagon Building and the Hippodrome, which changed the area into the most splendid part of the city. Of the five buildings, the Rotunda and the Arch are very well preserved. Unfortunately, only wall sections of the other three have been discovered.

THE ARCH OF GALLERIUS - KAMARA

This monument was erected in 300 AD to remind the people of Gallerius' successes in his Armenian and Persian campaigns. It is built of stone and each of its thick piers is covered with four zones of stone relief. These rows of sculpture depict Gallerius' campaign in the East, the sacrifice scene, his trophy after the victory of 297 as well as other scenes which represent him and Diocletian. The Arch is unique in regards to its wealth of representations in relief decoration.

THE ROTONDA

This circular monument, which dates back to the 4^th century AD, was the first of Gallerius' monuments. It was probably intended to be his own mausoleum; however, he died and was buried in Bulgaria. It first served as a Christian church, the Church of Asomati, and was the cathedral of the city until the 13^th century. Later it was named St George's Church. The Turks transformed it into a mosque. Many alterations and additions were made in order to convert it back into a Christian church. The church has some famous mosaics decorating its interior.

THE ROMAN FORUM

The ancient market place, in Dikastirion Square, was discovered in 1966 during archaeological excavations in the center of the city. During these excavations an odeion was discovered with seats and part of its stage. The ground floor of a tall building, parts of a stone paved street surrounded by colonnades, an early Christian fresco and a temple were also found. More recent excavations have uncovered a lot of interesting finds and works are still going on.

EGNATIA STREET

Modern day Egnatia Street, which runs alongside the Roman Forum and the Arch of Gallerius, is laid on the same route as the ancient Roman road. It was originally constructed in 118 BC and was named after Egnatus, governor of the city. It played a significant role in the development of the Roman Empire. It was an important route that connected Pella, the capital city of ancient Macedonia, with Constantinople and which passed through Thessaloniki, Philippi and Kavala.