The area at the same elevation with the ground floor of the Agora Building, on the east of the building, was formed as a terrace or a small square. Another structure in this small square is in a very close relationship with the building. The structure must have served as a fish and/or meat market which the Hellens called “Makellon” and the Romans “Macellum”. The structure covers 8,56 m area has four steps made of worked stone slabs. Greek letters such as Φ, Γ, Μ, Ν, Δ, Ζ, C are engraved on some of the blocks that from the first row of the structure. These masons’ marks prove that the blocks were cut and shaped within a plan. Macellum’s floor was paved with smooth blocks since it was used as a wet place. The Stone slabs were embedded in the lime mortar in order to provide insulation.

Two half-moon shaped holes were carved into the blocks located on the east side of the building, where the floor meets the first row, and the other on the second row, must have been made to allow water to enter and exit the building. The grooved anchor holes and incised lines carved on the floor slabs near the steps of the floor, defining the table or counter made of wood or stone suggests that the structure was indeed a Macellum.

Scroll to Top