Archaeological structures discovered within the Acropolis of Apollonia based on the results of excavations

Abstract

The Acropolis is a name given to a high area in the city of Apollonia. Archeologists from Michigan University Archeological Mission conducted excavations in the Acropolis’s area near the city’s defensive walls while the French Archeological Mission in Apollonia conducted excavations in its western part. The evidence of archaeological excavations at the site indicates that it was used for religious and service purposes during the different historical periods. It was used for burial in the early settlement period, including religious shrines and burials most likely for heroes. It was used to collect water in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, in order to supply the eastern region of the city, and in the Byzantine period, it was used for storage. As for the use of the term "Acropolis", it is based on Barth's description of this high area at the beginning of the nineteenth century as the city's castle, but results of archaeological excavations conducted at this site do not prove the existence of any military use of this area, and it is clear that the existence of the Hellenistic city walls It follows an acropolis associated with towers and curtain walls, however, only future excavations will reveal its location, design and function.