{"id":69475,"date":"2026-06-05T17:43:59","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T14:43:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/exploringgreece.tv\/greece\/ancient-abdera-the-historic-city-with-the-myth-of-hercules-and-the-mint-of-alexander-the-great\/69475\/"},"modified":"2026-05-24T23:28:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T20:28:49","slug":"ancient-abdera-the-historic-city-with-the-myth-of-hercules-and-the-mint-of-alexander-the-great","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exploringgreece.tv\/en\/greece\/ancient-abdera-the-historic-city-with-the-myth-of-hercules-and-the-mint-of-alexander-the-great\/69475\/","title":{"rendered":"Ancient Abdera: Where Hercules\u2019 Legend Meets Alexander\u2019s Royal Mint"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\n

Xanthi: The Old Town is the jewel of Thrace<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n

Abdera Unveiled: The Mythic City of Hercules and the Mint of a King<\/h2>\n
\"Archaeological<\/picture>
Archaeological site of Avdira<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Archaeological<\/picture>
Archaeological Site of Avdira (Photo source: visitthraki.gr)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Avdira Xanthi today<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Overlooking<\/picture>
Overlooking the sea of Avdira<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n