Aqueduct & Wall of Ancient Anastasioupolis - Peritheorion

 castle, archeological site, Roman Empire, aqueduct, ancient ruins

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Anastasioupoli Castle is polygonal in shape, reinforced at intervals with round and square towers. The city grew up in the 53 acres enclosed by the walls. The reign of Justinian (527-565) saw two major construction projects at Anastasioupoli. The first was a cross wall built to protect the shore zone against barbarian raids from the sea. The second was a 4km long wall that served a dual purpose: on the one hand it blocked off the crossing between the walls and the mountain, controlling movement on the Via Egnatia, and on the other it served as an aqueduct, thus securing a supply of precious water from the Rhodope Mountains.

In the castle’s final phase the three towers and central arched city gate were decorated with Palaeologus monograms in brickwork and stone carving. The interior of the castle now lies buried under accumulated earth and lush vegetation.