Hadrian's Castle #1347

Description

This is an ancient castle showing signs of medieval use, but little is known about its history. No sources mention it, and no archaeological finds have been discovered to help establish a timeline.

One plausible hypothesis is that the castle at Adriani was one of the so-called "Thracian Castles" built by King Philip of Macedon after 340 BC, following his victory over the Odrysians, a confederation of Thracian tribes.

The construction style of the walls supports this theory, as no mortar was used in most areas, suggesting an ancient origin. Some parts, however, were repaired with mortar, possibly in the early Middle Ages, around the 6th century, similar to other Thracian castles. Nevertheless, this dating remains uncertain.

Most early fortifications in the region (western Thrace and eastern Macedonia) were abandoned after the 6th century, likely due to raids by Slavs or other barbarian tribes.

Among the castle ruins stands the church of Agios Ioannis, which appears to have been constructed with stones from the fortification. This church is thought to be a remnant of a monastery from the Turkish period.