Martin M. Miles' photos

We know from Homer that Eretria, now a small town, sent ships to the Trojan War. In the 8th century BC, Eretria and its nearby neighbour and rival, Chalkis, were both thriving trading cities. Towards the end of the 8th century BC, however, Eretria and Chalcis waged a long war for control of the fertile Lelantine Plain. Eretria was defeated, the city destroyed, and it lost its lands and possessions. Around 424 BC Eretria came under the hegemony of Athens. In a naval battle off Eretria in 411 BC, the Spartan fleet, with the support of the people of Eretria, succeeded in destroying the Athenian ships. Following its liberation from Athenian hegemony, the polis experienced a new period of prosperity Following the Greeks’ defeat at the hands of the Macedonians (338 BC), Macedonian influence began to take hold, first under Philip II of Macedon, then under his son Alexander the Great and his successors. In 198 BC, Eretria was conquered by the Romans. After that, Eretria never regained the prosperity it had enjoyed in previous centuries. Following a severe earthquake in 365, the site appears to have been only sporadically inhabited and seems to have been abandoned by 511 at the latest. Modern Eretria was not re-established until 1824, following the Greek War of Independence. The museum was built in 1960 and displays significant finds from the excavations of the ancient city of Eretria and the surrounding area from the Early Bronze Age to the period of Roman rule. As Eretria was abandoned and not built over, and has been systematically excavated since the late 19th century, the finds are abundant. Griffin vase The painting depicts two large griffins feeding their two newly hatched chicks in a nest. Terracotta, 1200–1100 BC

We know from Homer that Eretria, now a small town, sent ships to the Trojan War. In the 8th century BC, Eretria and its nearby neighbour and rival, Chalkis, were both thriving trading cities. Towards the end of the 8th century BC, however, Eretria and Chalcis waged a long war for control of the fertile Lelantine Plain. Eretria was defeated, the city destroyed, and it lost its lands and possessions. Around 424 BC Eretria came under the hegemony of Athens. In a naval battle off Eretria in 411 BC, the Spartan fleet, with the support of the people of Eretria, succeeded in destroying the Athenian ships. Following its liberation from Athenian hegemony, the polis experienced a new period of prosperity Following the Greeks’ defeat at the hands of the Macedonians (338 BC), Macedonian influence began to take hold, first under Philip II of Macedon, then under his son Alexander the Great and his successors. In 198 BC, Eretria was conquered by the Romans. After that, Eretria never regained the prosperity it had enjoyed in previous centuries. Following a severe earthquake in 365, the site appears to have been only sporadically inhabited and seems to have been abandoned by 511 at the latest. Modern Eretria was not re-established until 1824, following the Greek War of Independence. The museum was built in 1960 and displays significant finds from the excavations of the ancient city of Eretria and the surrounding area from the Early Bronze Age to the period of Roman rule. As Eretria was abandoned and not built over, and has been systematically excavated since the late 19th century, the finds are abundant.

We know from Homer that Eretria, now a small town, sent ships to the Trojan War. In the 8th century BC, Eretria and its nearby neighbour and rival, Chalkis, were both thriving trading cities. Towards the end of the 8th century BC, however, Eretria and Chalcis waged a long war for control of the fertile Lelantine Plain. Eretria was defeated, the city destroyed, and it lost its lands and possessions. Around 424 BC Eretria came under the hegemony of Athens. In a naval battle off Eretria in 411 BC, the Spartan fleet, with the support of the people of Eretria, succeeded in destroying the Athenian ships. Following its liberation from Athenian hegemony, the polis experienced a new period of prosperity Following the Greeks’ defeat at the hands of the Macedonians (338 BC), Macedonian influence began to take hold, first under Philip II of Macedon, then under his son Alexander the Great and his successors. In 198 BC, Eretria was conquered by the Romans. After that, Eretria never regained the prosperity it had enjoyed in previous centuries. Following a severe earthquake in 365, the site appears to have been only sporadically inhabited and seems to have been abandoned by 511 at the latest. Modern Eretria was not re-established until 1824, following the Greek War of Independence. The ruins of the Temple of Apollo

We know from Homer that Eretria, now a small town, sent ships to the Trojan War. In the 8th century BC, Eretria and its nearby neighbour and rival, Chalkis, were both thriving trading cities. Towards the end of the 8th century BC, however, Eretria and Chalcis waged a long war for control of the fertile Lelantine Plain. Eretria was defeated, the city destroyed, and it lost its lands and possessions. Around 424 BC Eretria came under the hegemony of Athens. In a naval battle off Eretria in 411 BC, the Spartan fleet, with the support of the people of Eretria, succeeded in destroying the Athenian ships. Following its liberation from Athenian hegemony, the polis experienced a new period of prosperity Following the Greeks’ defeat at the hands of the Macedonians (338 BC), Macedonian influence began to take hold, first under Philip II of Macedon, then under his son Alexander the Great and his successors. In 198 BC, Eretria was conquered by the Romans. After that, Eretria never regained the prosperity it had enjoyed in previous centuries. Following a severe earthquake in 365, the site appears to have been only sporadically inhabited and seems to have been abandoned by 511 at the latest. Modern Eretria was not re-established until 1824, following the Greek War of Independence. The "House of the Mosaics" was excavated between 1975 and 1980. It was built in ca. 370 B.C. and remained in use for about a century. It is distinguished by its floors, covered with elegant pebble mosaics representing mythological scenes: Nereids on the back of a seahorse, legendary battles between Arimaspians and griffins, sphinxes and panthers.

We know from Homer that Eretria, now a small town, sent ships to the Trojan War. In the 8th century BC, Eretria and its nearby neighbour and rival, Chalkis, were both thriving trading cities. Towards the end of the 8th century BC, however, Eretria and Chalcis waged a long war for control of the fertile Lelantine Plain. Eretria was defeated, the city destroyed, and it lost its lands and possessions. Around 424 BC Eretria came under the hegemony of Athens. In a naval battle off Eretria in 411 BC, the Spartan fleet, with the support of the people of Eretria, succeeded in destroying the Athenian ships. Following its liberation from Athenian hegemony, the polis experienced a new period of prosperity Following the Greeks’ defeat at the hands of the Macedonians (338 BC), Macedonian influence began to take hold, first under Philip II of Macedon, then under his son Alexander the Great and his successors. In 198 BC, Eretria was conquered by the Romans. After that, Eretria never regained the prosperity it had enjoyed in previous centuries. Following a severe earthquake in 365, the site appears to have been only sporadically inhabited and seems to have been abandoned by 511 at the latest. Modern Eretria was not re-established until 1824, following the Greek War of Independence. The "House of the Mosaics" was excavated between 1975 and 1980. It was built in ca. 370 B.C. and remained in use for about a century. It is distinguished by its floors, covered with elegant pebble mosaics representing mythological scenes: Nereids on the back of a seahorse, legendary battles between Arimaspians and griffins, sphinxes and panthers.

We know from Homer that Eretria, now a small town, sent ships to the Trojan War. In the 8th century BC, Eretria and its nearby neighbour and rival, Chalkis, were both thriving trading cities. Towards the end of the 8th century BC, however, Eretria and Chalcis waged a long war for control of the fertile Lelantine Plain. Eretria was defeated, the city destroyed, and it lost its lands and possessions. Around 424 BC Eretria came under the hegemony of Athens. In a naval battle off Eretria in 411 BC, the Spartan fleet, with the support of the people of Eretria, succeeded in destroying the Athenian ships. Following its liberation from Athenian hegemony, the polis experienced a new period of prosperity Following the Greeks’ defeat at the hands of the Macedonians (338 BC), Macedonian influence began to take hold, first under Philip II of Macedon, then under his son Alexander the Great and his successors. In 198 BC, Eretria was conquered by the Romans. After that, Eretria never regained the prosperity it had enjoyed in previous centuries. Following a severe earthquake in 365, the site appears to have been only sporadically inhabited and seems to have been abandoned by 511 at the latest. Modern Eretria was not re-established until 1824, following the Greek War of Independence. The "House of the Mosaics" was excavated between 1975 and 1980. It was built in ca. 370 B.C. and remained in use for about a century. It is distinguished by its floors, covered with elegant pebble mosaics representing mythological scenes: Nereids on the back of a seahorse, legendary battles between Arimaspians and griffins, sphinxes and panthers. In the 1st century B.C. a funerary monument, seen here, was erected over the ruins of the house.

We know from Homer that Eretria, now a small town, sent ships to the Trojan War. In the 8th century BC, Eretria and its nearby neighbour and rival, Chalkis, were both thriving trading cities. Towards the end of the 8th century BC, however, Eretria and Chalcis waged a long war for control of the fertile Lelantine Plain. Eretria was defeated, the city destroyed, and it lost its lands and possessions. Around 424 BC Eretria came under the hegemony of Athens. In a naval battle off Eretria in 411 BC, the Spartan fleet, with the support of the people of Eretria, succeeded in destroying the Athenian ships. Following its liberation from Athenian hegemony, the polis experienced a new period of prosperity Following the Greeks’ defeat at the hands of the Macedonians (338 BC), Macedonian influence began to take hold, first under Philip II of Macedon, then under his son Alexander the Great and his successors. In 198 BC, Eretria was conquered by the Romans. After that, Eretria never regained the prosperity it had enjoyed in previous centuries. Following a severe earthquake in 365, the site appears to have been only sporadically inhabited and seems to have been abandoned by 511 at the latest. Modern Eretria was not re-established until 1824, following the Greek War of Independence. The theatre dates from the 5th or 4th century BC and is one of the oldest theatres in Greece. A striking fact is the construction of the auditorium on an artificial hill surrounded by numerous retaining walls. The theatre seated 6,300 spectators. Following the destruction of Eretria by the Romans in 198 BC, it was rebuilt with lower quality materials.

We know from Homer that Eretria, now a small town, sent ships to the Trojan War. In the 8th century BC, Eretria and its nearby neighbour and rival, Chalkis, were both thriving trading cities. Towards the end of the 8th century BC, however, Eretria and Chalcis waged a long war for control of the fertile Lelantine Plain. Eretria was defeated, the city destroyed, and it lost its lands and possessions. Around 424 BC Eretria came under the hegemony of Athens. In a naval battle off Eretria in 411 BC, the Spartan fleet, with the support of the people of Eretria, succeeded in destroying the Athenian ships. Following its liberation from Athenian hegemony, the polis experienced a new period of prosperity Following the Greeks’ defeat at the hands of the Macedonians (338 BC), Macedonian influence began to take hold, first under Philip II of Macedon, then under his son Alexander the Great and his successors. In 198 BC, Eretria was conquered by the Romans. After that, Eretria never regained the prosperity it had enjoyed in previous centuries. Following a severe earthquake in 365, the site appears to have been only sporadically inhabited and seems to have been abandoned by 511 at the latest. Modern Eretria was not re-established until 1824, following the Greek War of Independence. The theatre dates from the 5th or 4th century BC and is one of the oldest theatres in Greece. A striking fact is the construction of the auditorium on an artificial hill surrounded by numerous retaining walls. The theatre seated 6,300 spectators. Following the destruction of Eretria by the Romans in 198 BC, it was rebuilt with lower quality materials.

Chalcis (aka Chalkida), the capital of the island of Euboea, situated on the Euripus Strait at its narrowest point, today is a city of about 60.000 inhabitants. The earliest recorded mention of Chalcis is in the Iliad. In the 8th and 7th centuries BC, settlers from Chalkis founded cities in southern Italy and Sicily, amongst other places. The city reached the height of its importance during the Archaic period, when it was one of the most significant trading centres in the whole of Hellas. Its main economic activities were fishing for purple snails and metalworking. In 506 BC, the city came under Athenian control. Despite the tensions, Chalkis supported the alliance during the Persian Wars. Chalkis was forced to join the Attic League, but repeatedly attempted, without success, to rebel against Athens. From 338 BC onwards, Philip II of Macedonia controlled the city. Owing to its strategic location on the Euripus, the Macedonians developed Chalkis into a stronghold. In 146 BC, the city fell to the Roman Empire and lost much of its political significance. Under the Eastern Roman Empire, the city gradually recovered. The Triarchy of Negroponte was a Crusader state founded on the island of Euboea (Venetian: Negroponte) following the partition of the Byzantine Empire after the Fourth Crusade. Euboea was granted to Boniface of Montferrat, King of Thessaloniki. Boniface, in turn, ceded the island as a fief to the Flemish nobleman Jacques II of Avesnes. Euboea subsequently came under the influence of Venice. From around 1390, the island became a regular Venetian colony known as the ‘Reame di Negroponte’. Negroponte played a significant role in the history of Frankish Greece, but Chalkis was finally captured by the Ottoman Empire after a long siege in 1470. Under Turkish rule, the town became a fortified stronghold and an important naval base. Since 1833, Chalkis has been part of the newly founded, independent Greek state.

Chalcis (aka Chalkida), the capital of the island of Euboea, situated on the Euripus Strait at its narrowest point, today is a city of about 60.000 inhabitants. The earliest recorded mention of Chalcis is in the Iliad. In the 8th and 7th centuries BC, settlers from Chalkis founded cities in southern Italy and Sicily, amongst other places. The city reached the height of its importance during the Archaic period, when it was one of the most significant trading centres in the whole of Hellas. Its main economic activities were fishing for purple snails and metalworking. In 506 BC, the city came under Athenian control. Despite the tensions, Chalkis supported the alliance during the Persian Wars. Chalkis was forced to join the Attic League, but repeatedly attempted, without success, to rebel against Athens. From 338 BC onwards, Philip II of Macedonia controlled the city. Owing to its strategic location on the Euripus, the Macedonians developed Chalkis into a stronghold. In 146 BC, the city fell to the Roman Empire and lost much of its political significance. Under the Eastern Roman Empire, the city gradually recovered. The Triarchy of Negroponte was a Crusader state founded on the island of Euboea (Venetian: Negroponte) following the partition of the Byzantine Empire after the Fourth Crusade. Euboea was granted to Boniface of Montferrat, King of Thessaloniki. Boniface, in turn, ceded the island as a fief to the Flemish nobleman Jacques II of Avesnes. Euboea subsequently came under the influence of Venice. From around 1390, the island became a regular Venetian colony known as the ‘Reame di Negroponte’. Negroponte played a significant role in the history of Frankish Greece, but Chalkis was finally captured by the Ottoman Empire after a long siege in 1470. Under Turkish rule, the town became a fortified stronghold and an important naval base. Since 1833, Chalkis has been part of the newly founded, independent Greek state. The collection of the old Archaeological Museum of Chalkis is not very large. Cycladic figurine 2650 - 2200 BC

Chalcis (aka Chalkida), the capital of the island of Euboea, situated on the Euripus Strait at its narrowest point, today is a city of about 60.000 inhabitants. The earliest recorded mention of Chalcis is in the Iliad. In the 8th and 7th centuries BC, settlers from Chalkis founded cities in southern Italy and Sicily, amongst other places. The city reached the height of its importance during the Archaic period, when it was one of the most significant trading centres in the whole of Hellas. Its main economic activities were fishing for purple snails and metalworking. In 506 BC, the city came under Athenian control. Despite the tensions, Chalkis supported the alliance during the Persian Wars. Chalkis was forced to join the Attic League, but repeatedly attempted, without success, to rebel against Athens. From 338 BC onwards, Philip II of Macedonia controlled the city. Owing to its strategic location on the Euripus, the Macedonians developed Chalkis into a stronghold. In 146 BC, the city fell to the Roman Empire and lost much of its political significance. Under the Eastern Roman Empire, the city gradually recovered. The Triarchy of Negroponte was a Crusader state founded on the island of Euboea (Venetian: Negroponte) following the partition of the Byzantine Empire after the Fourth Crusade. Euboea was granted to Boniface of Montferrat, King of Thessaloniki. Boniface, in turn, ceded the island as a fief to the Flemish nobleman Jacques II of Avesnes. Euboea subsequently came under the influence of Venice. From around 1390, the island became a regular Venetian colony known as the ‘Reame di Negroponte’. Negroponte played a significant role in the history of Frankish Greece, but Chalkis was finally captured by the Ottoman Empire after a long siege in 1470. Under Turkish rule, the town became a fortified stronghold and an important naval base. Since 1833, Chalkis has been part of the newly founded, independent Greek state. The collection of the old Archaeological Museum of Chalkis is not very large. Glass unguentaria Roman 1st - 2nd c AD

Chalcis (aka Chalkida), the capital of the island of Euboea, situated on the Euripus Strait at its narrowest point, today is a city of about 60.000 inhabitants. The earliest recorded mention of Chalcis is in the Iliad. In the 8th and 7th centuries BC, settlers from Chalkis founded cities in southern Italy and Sicily, amongst other places. The city reached the height of its importance during the Archaic period, when it was one of the most significant trading centres in the whole of Hellas. Its main economic activities were fishing for purple snails and metalworking. In 506 BC, the city came under Athenian control. Despite the tensions, Chalkis supported the alliance during the Persian Wars. Chalkis was forced to join the Attic League, but repeatedly attempted, without success, to rebel against Athens. From 338 BC onwards, Philip II of Macedonia controlled the city. Owing to its strategic location on the Euripus, the Macedonians developed Chalkis into a stronghold. In 146 BC, the city fell to the Roman Empire and lost much of its political significance. Under the Eastern Roman Empire, the city gradually recovered. The Triarchy of Negroponte was a Crusader state founded on the island of Euboea (Venetian: Negroponte) following the partition of the Byzantine Empire after the Fourth Crusade. Euboea was granted to Boniface of Montferrat, King of Thessaloniki. Boniface, in turn, ceded the island as a fief to the Flemish nobleman Jacques II of Avesnes. Euboea subsequently came under the influence of Venice. From around 1390, the island became a regular Venetian colony known as the ‘Reame di Negroponte’. Negroponte played a significant role in the history of Frankish Greece, but Chalkis was finally captured by the Ottoman Empire after a long siege in 1470. Under Turkish rule, the town became a fortified stronghold and an important naval base. Since 1833, Chalkis has been part of the newly founded, independent Greek state. The collection of the old Archaeological Museum of Chalkis is not very large. Earrings Gold, 3rd c BC

Chalcis (aka Chalkida), the capital of the island of Euboea, situated on the Euripus Strait at its narrowest point, today is a city of about 60.000 inhabitants. The earliest recorded mention of Chalcis is in the Iliad. In the 8th and 7th centuries BC, settlers from Chalkis founded cities in southern Italy and Sicily, amongst other places. The city reached the height of its importance during the Archaic period, when it was one of the most significant trading centres in the whole of Hellas. Its main economic activities were fishing for purple snails and metalworking. In 506 BC, the city came under Athenian control. Despite the tensions, Chalkis supported the alliance during the Persian Wars. Chalkis was forced to join the Attic League, but repeatedly attempted, without success, to rebel against Athens. From 338 BC onwards, Philip II of Macedonia controlled the city. Owing to its strategic location on the Euripus, the Macedonians developed Chalkis into a stronghold. In 146 BC, the city fell to the Roman Empire and lost much of its political significance. Under the Eastern Roman Empire, the city gradually recovered. The Triarchy of Negroponte was a Crusader state founded on the island of Euboea (Venetian: Negroponte) following the partition of the Byzantine Empire after the Fourth Crusade. Euboea was granted to Boniface of Montferrat, King of Thessaloniki. Boniface, in turn, ceded the island as a fief to the Flemish nobleman Jacques II of Avesnes. Euboea subsequently came under the influence of Venice. From around 1390, the island became a regular Venetian colony known as the ‘Reame di Negroponte’. Negroponte played a significant role in the history of Frankish Greece, but Chalkis was finally captured by the Ottoman Empire after a long siege in 1470. Under Turkish rule, the town became a fortified stronghold and an important naval base. Since 1833, Chalkis has been part of the newly founded, independent Greek state. The collection of the old Archaeological Museum of Chalkis is not very large. Head of a man Terracotta, 5th c BC

Chalcis (aka Chalkida), the capital of the island of Euboea, situated on the Euripus Strait at its narrowest point, today is a city of about 60.000 inhabitants. The earliest recorded mention of Chalcis is in the Iliad. In the 8th and 7th centuries BC, settlers from Chalkis founded cities in southern Italy and Sicily, amongst other places. The city reached the height of its importance during the Archaic period, when it was one of the most significant trading centres in the whole of Hellas. Its main economic activities were fishing for purple snails and metalworking. In 506 BC, the city came under Athenian control. Despite the tensions, Chalkis supported the alliance during the Persian Wars. Chalkis was forced to join the Attic League, but repeatedly attempted, without success, to rebel against Athens. From 338 BC onwards, Philip II of Macedonia controlled the city. Owing to its strategic location on the Euripus, the Macedonians developed Chalkis into a stronghold. In 146 BC, the city fell to the Roman Empire and lost much of its political significance. Under the Eastern Roman Empire, the city gradually recovered. The Triarchy of Negroponte was a Crusader state founded on the island of Euboea (Venetian: Negroponte) following the partition of the Byzantine Empire after the Fourth Crusade. Euboea was granted to Boniface of Montferrat, King of Thessaloniki. Boniface, in turn, ceded the island as a fief to the Flemish nobleman Jacques II of Avesnes. Euboea subsequently came under the influence of Venice. From around 1390, the island became a regular Venetian colony known as the ‘Reame di Negroponte’. Negroponte played a significant role in the history of Frankish Greece, but Chalkis was finally captured by the Ottoman Empire after a long siege in 1470. Under Turkish rule, the town became a fortified stronghold and an important naval base. Since 1833, Chalkis has been part of the newly founded, independent Greek state. The collection of the old Archaeological Museum of Chalkis is not very large. Seated figures A jointed doll Terracotta, 5th c BC

Chalcis (aka Chalkida), the capital of the island of Euboea, situated on the Euripus Strait at its narrowest point, today is a city of about 60.000 inhabitants. The earliest recorded mention of Chalcis is in the Iliad. In the 8th and 7th centuries BC, settlers from Chalkis founded cities in southern Italy and Sicily, amongst other places. The city reached the height of its importance during the Archaic period, when it was one of the most significant trading centres in the whole of Hellas. Its main economic activities were fishing for purple snails and metalworking. In 506 BC, the city came under Athenian control. Despite the tensions, Chalkis supported the alliance during the Persian Wars. Chalkis was forced to join the Attic League, but repeatedly attempted, without success, to rebel against Athens. From 338 BC onwards, Philip II of Macedonia controlled the city. Owing to its strategic location on the Euripus, the Macedonians developed Chalkis into a stronghold. In 146 BC, the city fell to the Roman Empire and lost much of its political significance. Under the Eastern Roman Empire, the city gradually recovered. The Triarchy of Negroponte was a Crusader state founded on the island of Euboea (Venetian: Negroponte) following the partition of the Byzantine Empire after the Fourth Crusade. Euboea was granted to Boniface of Montferrat, King of Thessaloniki. Boniface, in turn, ceded the island as a fief to the Flemish nobleman Jacques II of Avesnes. Euboea subsequently came under the influence of Venice. From around 1390, the island became a regular Venetian colony known as the ‘Reame di Negroponte’. Negroponte played a significant role in the history of Frankish Greece, but Chalkis was finally captured by the Ottoman Empire after a long siege in 1470. Under Turkish rule, the town became a fortified stronghold and an important naval base. Since 1833, Chalkis has been part of the newly founded, independent Greek state. The collection of the old Archaeological Museum of Chalkis is not very large. Terracotta figures Horseman, sirens, pig... 5th c. BC

Chalcis (aka Chalkida), the capital of the island of Euboea, situated on the Euripus Strait at its narrowest point, today is a city of about 60.000 inhabitants. The earliest recorded mention of Chalcis is in the Iliad. In the 8th and 7th centuries BC, settlers from Chalkis founded cities in southern Italy and Sicily, amongst other places. The city reached the height of its importance during the Archaic period, when it was one of the most significant trading centres in the whole of Hellas. Its main economic activities were fishing for purple snails and metalworking. In 506 BC, the city came under Athenian control. Despite the tensions, Chalkis supported the alliance during the Persian Wars. Chalkis was forced to join the Attic League, but repeatedly attempted, without success, to rebel against Athens. From 338 BC onwards, Philip II of Macedonia controlled the city. Owing to its strategic location on the Euripus, the Macedonians developed Chalkis into a stronghold. In 146 BC, the city fell to the Roman Empire and lost much of its political significance. Under the Eastern Roman Empire, the city gradually recovered. The Triarchy of Negroponte was a Crusader state founded on the island of Euboea (Venetian: Negroponte) following the partition of the Byzantine Empire after the Fourth Crusade. Euboea was granted to Boniface of Montferrat, King of Thessaloniki. Boniface, in turn, ceded the island as a fief to the Flemish nobleman Jacques II of Avesnes. Euboea subsequently came under the influence of Venice. From around 1390, the island became a regular Venetian colony known as the ‘Reame di Negroponte’. Negroponte played a significant role in the history of Frankish Greece, but Chalkis was finally captured by the Ottoman Empire after a long siege in 1470. Under Turkish rule, the town became a fortified stronghold and an important naval base. Since 1833, Chalkis has been part of the newly founded, independent Greek state. The collection of the old Archaeological Museum of Chalkis is not very large. Mosaic Left a naked man, right a centaur Maybe the Centauromachy, is the mythical battle the civilized Lapiths and the unruly Centaurs. 3rd c BC

Chalcis (aka Chalkida), the capital of the island of Euboea, situated on the Euripus Strait at its narrowest point, today is a city of about 60.000 inhabitants. The earliest recorded mention of Chalcis is in the Iliad. In the 8th and 7th centuries BC, settlers from Chalkis founded cities in southern Italy and Sicily, amongst other places. The city reached the height of its importance during the Archaic period, when it was one of the most significant trading centres in the whole of Hellas. Its main economic activities were fishing for purple snails and metalworking. In 506 BC, the city came under Athenian control. Despite the tensions, Chalkis supported the alliance during the Persian Wars. Chalkis was forced to join the Attic League, but repeatedly attempted, without success, to rebel against Athens. From 338 BC onwards, Philip II of Macedonia controlled the city. Owing to its strategic location on the Euripus, the Macedonians developed Chalkis into a stronghold. In 146 BC, the city fell to the Roman Empire and lost much of its political significance. Under the Eastern Roman Empire, the city gradually recovered. The Triarchy of Negroponte was a Crusader state founded on the island of Euboea (Venetian: Negroponte) following the partition of the Byzantine Empire after the Fourth Crusade. Euboea was granted to Boniface of Montferrat, King of Thessaloniki. Boniface, in turn, ceded the island as a fief to the Flemish nobleman Jacques II of Avesnes. Euboea subsequently came under the influence of Venice. From around 1390, the island became a regular Venetian colony known as the ‘Reame di Negroponte’. Negroponte played a significant role in the history of Frankish Greece, but Chalkis was finally captured by the Ottoman Empire after a long siege in 1470. Under Turkish rule, the town became a fortified stronghold and an important naval base. Since 1833, Chalkis has been part of the newly founded, independent Greek state. The collectionn of the old Archaeological Museum of Chalkis is not very large. Fragment Three riders galloping right Marble, 1st c BC

Chalcis (aka Chalkida), the capital of the island of Euboea, situated on the Euripus Strait at its narrowest point, today is a city of about 60.000 inhabitants. The earliest recorded mention of Chalcis is in the Iliad. In the 8th and 7th centuries BC, settlers from Chalkis founded cities in southern Italy and Sicily, amongst other places. The city reached the height of its importance during the Archaic period, when it was one of the most significant trading centres in the whole of Hellas. Its main economic activities were fishing for purple snails and metalworking. In 506 BC, the city came under Athenian control. Despite the tensions, Chalkis supported the alliance during the Persian Wars. Chalkis was forced to join the Attic League, but repeatedly attempted, without success, to rebel against Athens. From 338 BC onwards, Philip II of Macedonia controlled the city. Owing to its strategic location on the Euripus, the Macedonians developed Chalkis into a stronghold. In 146 BC, the city fell to the Roman Empire and lost much of its political significance. Under the Eastern Roman Empire, the city gradually recovered. The Triarchy of Negroponte was a Crusader state founded on the island of Euboea (Venetian: Negroponte) following the partition of the Byzantine Empire after the Fourth Crusade. Euboea was granted to Boniface of Montferrat, King of Thessaloniki. Boniface, in turn, ceded the island as a fief to the Flemish nobleman Jacques II of Avesnes. Euboea subsequently came under the influence of Venice. From around 1390, the island became a regular Venetian colony known as the ‘Reame di Negroponte’. Negroponte played a significant role in the history of Frankish Greece, but Chalkis was finally captured by the Ottoman Empire after a long siege in 1470. Under Turkish rule, the town became a fortified stronghold and an important naval base. Since 1833, Chalkis has been part of the newly founded, independent Greek state. In the foreground is the lapidarium of the old Archaeological Museum of Chalkis.