An archeological museum rich in exhibits
The Archaeological Museum of Drama hosts rare finds from all periods of habitation in the area. Some of them are stone tools from prehistoric hunters' settlements in the cave of Aggitis, from the Middle Paleolithic Age (50,000 BC). The next, Neolithic, period (5,500-3,000 BC) when the first permanent settlements of farmers and stockbreeders appeared in the wider area of Drama, is represented with displays of stone tools, jewelry, utilitarian and ritual vessels with decoration and figurines. The first samples of metallurgy from the settlement in Sitagri are remarkable. The exhibits from the next phases of the prehistoric period, the Bronze Age (3,000-1,050 BC) initially reveal contacts of the area with the centers of the Northeast Aegean and central Europe. Towards the end of the Bronze Age, the Late Bronze Age, the exhibits show contacts with central Macedonia, the Balkans and finally with the Mycenaean centers. The Iron Age (1,050-700 BC) exhibits, which come from the tombs of the area (industrial zone of Drama), include vases, weapons, tools and jewelry.
The historical times (early 7th century BC-324 AD) are represented in the Museum with the exhibits of the first settlers from Southern Greece in Thassos and the coastal areas near the river Strymon, mainly vases made on the pottery wheel. The classical period, when the cult of Dionysus was established in the region, is represented by many votive offerings and generally reflects economic and cultural growth. The findings from the time of the Macedonians are remarkable. They conquered the area since the neighboring Paggaio and its rich ores had always been in the interest not only of the natives but also of the conquerors of the area. The most characteristic and rare exhibits of the period include the stadium post from Kalambaki and the Roman mile post from the pre-existing Via Egnatia. During the Roman times the area was part of the Roman colony of Philippi. The statues of the period are noteworthy, as well as the tombstone from Grammeni which refers to the achievement of the Roman legionary Tiberius Claudius Maximus, who beheaded Decavalos, the last king of Dacia, during the Dacian war of Emperor Trajan .
However the area developed in the shadow of Philippi which is the center of economic, political and cultural life of the area. This situation changed during the Early Byzantine Times and especially after the 7th century AD when a military commander settled in the area and the castle of Drama was built. The castle and the area were claimed by the Byzantines and were temporarily occupied by the Latins, Bulgarians, Serbs. It was conquered by Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos (father of Constantine ΧΙ Palaiologos, last emperor of Constantinople). In 1383 the castle of Drama was conquered by the Ottomans. Architectural sculptures, pottery and coins from these periods are also exhibited.
The building is fully accessible.
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