The Ancient Forum of Thessaloniki

Constructed towards the end of the second century AD, the Ancient Forum was the seat of the central administration in ancient Thessaloniki. Spread over an area of around two hectares, it was constructed around a paved rectangular square right in the centre of the city, surrounded on three sides by stoas or porticos. Each stoa had two rows of columns through which the surrounding buildings could be directly accessed. The stoa on the south was built on a cryptoporticus or a structure with a cellar or vault which lay under the ground because the land here was naturally sloping. Along this stoa were a line of shops. The main shopping street of those times was located to the north of what is today called Philippou Street. Small gaps from this street led to the square, which in turn opened into what is today known as Olympou Street. The east wing of the Forum had a building which, presumably, was constructed to host performances. The statues and inscriptions found here suggest that this structure must have been an Odeon.