Kerameikos: Part of the wall and the Pompeion within the walls
The ancient Kerameikos was on the north-west fringes
of ancient Athens and extended both inside and outside the walls which
now traverse the site of the excavations.
In the centre of the site very close to each other, can be seen the
two most famous gates of ancient Athens, the Dipylon
and the Sacred Gate. The area around these gates
was the most ancient and largest cemetery known in Attica. It was
also the burial site of the citizens honoured by the city of Athens.
Kerameikos according to the traveller Pausanias was
named after Keramos a hero of the deme of Kerameis.
But most probably the name is due to a settlement of potters on the
banks of the Iridanos river.
... (Kerameikos: ceramic or having to do with ceramics or ceramists)...
The ancient demos of Kerameikos included an area much larger than
the one excavated. It is believed that it stretched from the north
west limits of the Agora to the grove named after the hero Academos.
Tombs and Stylae
Its tombs and stelae are what Kerameikos is mainly known for.
Strolling around them you will have the chance to admire the marble
bull inside the enclosure of the tomb of Dionysios
from Kollytos; also the replica of the well-known
stele of Dexileos placed where the original used
to be and the stele of Hegeso (late 5th century B.C.).
If you wish to see the original stelae as well as other finds from
the excavation you must walk to the Museum near Ermou Street.
The relief (above image, left item) shows Hegeso seated, taking a
jewel out of a box that her female slave is holding. It is believed
that the background of the relief and the jewel were painted blue
and gold respectively. At the top of the stele her name is engraved:
Hegeso Proxeno.
The skill with which the melancholy expression on Hegeso's face and
the folds of her dress are depicted is beyond description.
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