Settlements > Thorikos

Thorikos

Thorikos was an ancient Greek city located in the southeastern part of Attica, near the modern town of Lavrio in Greece. It is one of the oldest settlements in the region, with a history that spans from the Neolithic period to the classical era. Thorikos is particularly notable for its silver mines, which played a crucial role in the economy of ancient Athens, as well as its unique theater and archaeological significance.

Geography

Location:

• Thorikos is situated on the eastern coast of Attica, near the modern town of Lavrio and close to the Aegean Sea.
• The city is located in a hilly region with a view of the sea, which provided natural defenses and easy access to maritime trade routes.

Topography:

• The area around Thorikos includes rugged hills and fertile plains. The region is rich in mineral resources, particularly silver, which was extensively mined in ancient times.
• The proximity to the Laurium silver mines made Thorikos an important industrial and economic center.

Historical Significance

Early History:

• Thorikos has a long history of habitation, with evidence of settlement dating back to the Neolithic period (around 6000 BCE).
• During the Bronze Age, it became an important center of the Mycenaean civilization, as evidenced by the remains of Mycenaean tombs and buildings.

Classical Period:

• In the classical period, Thorikos was one of the twelve original cities of Attica that were unified by Theseus into the city-state of Athens.
• The city is best known for its theater, one of the oldest in Greece, and its role in the mining industry, which was crucial for the Athenian economy.

Economic Importance:

• The Laurium silver mines near Thorikos were a major source of wealth for ancient Athens. The silver extracted from these mines funded the construction of the Athenian fleet and various public works, including the Parthenon.
• The mining activities in Thorikos contributed significantly to the prosperity and power of Athens, particularly during the 5th century BCE.

Key Archaeological Sites

Theater of Thorikos:

• The theater of Thorikos is one of the oldest known theaters in Greece, dating back to the late 6th century BCE. Unlike typical Greek theaters, it has an irregular shape, with a rectilinear orchestra instead of the usual circular one.
• The theater could accommodate several hundred spectators and was used for dramatic performances, religious ceremonies, and political gatherings.

Industrial Area and Mines:

• Excavations at Thorikos have uncovered extensive remains of the industrial area associated with the Laurium mines, including workshops, smelting furnaces, and mining installations.
• The site includes remnants of washing tables used to separate silver from the ore and evidence of the technological advancements in ancient mining and metallurgy.

Residential and Public Buildings:

• The archaeological site of Thorikos also includes residential areas, public buildings, and fortifications. These structures provide insights into the daily life and social organization of the city.
• Notable findings include the remains of houses, administrative buildings, and a well-preserved Mycenaean tholos tomb.

Cultural and Historical Impact

Role in Athenian Politics:

• As part of the Athenian state, Thorikos played a role in the political and economic life of Athens. The wealth generated from the mines supported Athens' military and political ambitions.
• The city's strategic location and industrial capacity made it an important asset for Athens, particularly during times of war.

Technological Innovations:

• The mining and metallurgical activities in Thorikos highlight the technological innovations of ancient Greece. The methods used for extracting and processing silver were advanced for their time and contributed to the economic success of Athens.
• Studies of the site have provided valuable information about ancient mining techniques and the organization of labor in classical Greece.

Legacy and Modern Relevance

Archaeological Significance:

• Thorikos is an important archaeological site that offers insights into ancient Greek industry, technology, and urban development. The well-preserved remains provide a unique glimpse into the life of a classical Greek industrial city.
• Ongoing excavations and research continue to uncover new findings, enhancing our understanding of ancient Greek history and economy.

Tourism and Education:

• The site of Thorikos attracts tourists, historians, and archaeologists interested in ancient Greek civilization. The theater and industrial remains are key attractions.
• Efforts to preserve and promote the site contribute to the cultural heritage of Greece and provide educational opportunities for visitors and scholars.

In summary, Thorikos was an ancient Greek city with a rich history and significant economic importance due to its proximity to the Laurium silver mines. The city's unique theater, industrial remains, and archaeological findings provide valuable insights into ancient Greek industry, technology, and urban life. Thorikos played a crucial role in the economy and politics of classical Athens, and its legacy continues to be explored and appreciated today.

Archaeology

The hill known today as Velatouri is the centre of a Mycenaean settlement and also of the ancient deme of Thorikos. Preserved are the unusual theatre of the 6th-4th centuries B.C., parts of the settlement, some of the metal-working establishments, a square tower of the 4th century B.C., the cemeteries and the sanctuary of Demeter and Kore.

Between the years 1820 and 1995, excavations have been carried out by the Archaeological Society in Athens, the American School of Classical Studies, the Belgian Archaeological School, the 2nd Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities and by the Society of the Dilettanti. The central settlement of the ancient deme of Thorikos, which was a flourishing centre for the processing of metal from the Lavrion mines during the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. Roads and houses are spread out along the west slope of the Velatouri hill.

Mycenaean Acropolis

Ancient Theatre of Thorikos

It is especially important for the history of the ancient theatre because of its unusual ellipsidal plan. Its original construction goes back to the 6th century B.C.

Sources

Wordsworth, Christopher (c. 1839). Athens and Attica. pp. 211–216.

"Thoricus (Thorikos)". Archaeological Atlas of the Aegean.

"Papers of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens". University of Michigan Library. 2005.