The Macedonian tomb of Potidea is about 4 km south of the homonymous settlement of Chalkidiki. It dates back to 300 BC. and is particularly important for its content as it provides valuable insights into ancient Greek painting.
Its frontage, 4,25 m in height and 3,80 m in width, is a simple, Doric rhythm, with two pilasters at the edges and a pediment at the top. Three boulders blocked the entrance outside, while inside there was a double-leaf door. The tomb is one-sided, housed in a semi-cylindrical chamber. It is built with poros and all its internal surfaces, like the facade, were coated with white mortar. Its flooring is paved with front plates, while in the genesis of the arch there is a colored painted film, decorated with shoots, leaves and grapes of vine and ivy. Inside was found a bronze gilded wreath, two alabaster, a clay figurine and pots. The most important finding, however, was two painted marble beds, which are currently exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. They were placed at right angles to the monument, and the bones of two dead were found on them. The paintings they perform are of outstanding quality and the artist’s knowledge of the art of design, colors, perspective and shades is revealed in them.
The Macedonian grave of Potidea was revealed in June 1984.
