description Kerameikos Overview
Kerameikos is an archaeological site in Athens, Greece, that served as the city's primary cemetery and potters' quarter from antiquity through the Roman period. Located along the Eridanos River, the area is notably home to the Dipylon Gate, which was the main entrance to ancient Athens, and the Sacred Gate. The site is distinguished by its extensive collection of Classical-era grave stelai, which provide substantial insight into ancient Greek funerary art and sculpture. It remains an essential destination for historians and archaeologists studying ancient urban planning.
help Kerameikos FAQ
What was the Kerameikos used for in ancient Athens?
Kerameikos served a dual purpose in antiquity, functioning as both the city's primary cemetery and its potters' quarter. It remained an important burial site from antiquity all the way through the Roman period.
Where is the Kerameikos located in relation to the Acropolis?
The archaeological site is located just to the northwest of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. It sits alongside the Eridanos River, which was partially channeled underground in ancient times.
What is the Dipylon Gate?
The Dipylon Gate was the main entrance to ancient Athens, located directly in the Kerameikos neighborhood. It served as the starting point for the Sacred Way, the road leading to the city of Eleusis.
Why was Kerameikos named after pottery?
The area was named Kerameikos because it was the center of ceramic production, or pottery-making, in ancient Athens. The English word 'ceramics' actually derives from the Greek root of this Athenian neighborhood's name.
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