The cities, towns and even villages of Greece are full of myths and stories not only from the more recent past but also from antiquity. Myths, legends and traditions are connected and create the evolution of the culture and image of an area, while the inhabitants for centuries have interesting stories to tell. One of the regions of Northern Greece that has a special legend to tell about its history is Abdera in Xanthi.
Abdera Unveiled: The Mythic City of Hercules and the Mint of a King
Originally Abderus was the son of the ancient god Hermes and a friend of the hero of Greek mythology Hercules. It was he who helped Hercules in one of the twelve labors, namely the abduction of Diomedes’ wild horses that were fed on human meat. However, while trying to help Hercules, he met a tragic death by Diomedes’ wild horses which devoured him. One will hear these horses referred to in legend as carnivorous horses of Diomedes. Thus, Hercules to honor his friend made a magnificent burial and at the place of his death built the city of Abdera.
It is a myth that accompanies the ancient city of Abdera while history says that its foundation dates back to the middle of the 7th century BC with the arrival of inhabitants of Clazomenes from the coast of Asia Minor. After a period of decline, the colony was refounded in 545 BC and quickly became one of the most prosperous cities in the region. It is no coincidence that there was a Royal Mint there and coins of Alexander the Great were minted there. The city of Abdera was also the birthplace of the philosopher and founder of the theory of atoms, Democritus and the sophist Protagoras.
Avdira Xanthi today
If you find yourself in Thrace and specifically in Xanthi, you must get to know the small town of the area, Avdira. It will automatically be transported to the past, making an imaginary trip, already visiting the archaeological site of Avdira initially, although the greatness of the time cannot be captured.
The current part that has been discovered has an area of 3,000 acres while on the west side of the modern port of Avdira is the ancient harbor, where you will see the breakwater with the large granite boulders.
Today Avdira that you can visit consists essentially of the village of Avdira and Skala Avdira. Taking a walk in the area, do not forget to visit the Archaeological Museum of Avdira and the Folklore Museum that will help you have a more complete understanding of the history of the area and its course through the centuries. If you want to stay there, you will find natural accommodation for your stay, but you can also choose Xanthi, a dream city, as your base.
The Carnival of Xanthi is always a good reason to be there and have a good time!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to Greek mythology, Abdera was named after Abderus, the son of the god Hermes and a friend of Hercules. Abderus tragically died while helping Hercules capture the carnivorous horses of Diomedes during one of his twelve labors. To honor his fallen friend, Hercules built the city of Abdera at the place where Abderus met his death.
The ancient city of Abdera was originally founded in the middle of the 7th century BC by inhabitants from Clazomenes on the coast of Asia Minor. After a period of decline, the colony was refounded in 545 BC and quickly became one of the most prosperous cities in the region.
Abdera was historically significant for several reasons: it housed a Royal Mint where coins of Alexander the Great were minted, it was the birthplace of the philosopher Democritus (founder of the theory of atoms), and it was home to the sophist Protagoras. The city became one of the most prosperous cities in Northern Greece during antiquity.
The archaeological site of Abdera covers an area of 3,000 acres. Visitors can see the remains of the ancient city, the ancient harbor on the west side of the modern port with its breakwater made of large granite boulders, as well as the Archaeological Museum of Abdera and the Folklore Museum, which provide insight into the region's history and cultural heritage.
Abdera (also spelled Avdira) is located in Xanthi in Northern Greece, specifically in the Thrace region. The modern town consists of the village of Avdira and Skala Avdira. Visitors can explore the archaeological site, visit local museums, and choose to stay in nearby Xanthi, which serves as an excellent base for exploring the area.
