Of particular interest archaeological finds have come to light in the context of work being carried out in the last five years for the development of the Network of Natural Gas in Dramashedding new light on the centuries -old history of the city.
Utility objects and residential structures that revealed during excavations testify The uninterrupted human presence in the region, from the Hellenistic era to the Byzantine times. These include remnants of houses, cobbled streets, household utensils, ceramics, coins, pipelines that provide valuable information on the daily lives of the inhabitants of ancient Drama.
One of the most interesting Discoveries brought to light by archaeological excavation are two asylum tombs, of a man and a woman. In the burial of the woman, according to the first analyzes made by the DUI natural anthropology laboratory, she is a woman between the ages of 16 and 22. Next to her were interesting offerings- including a silver spatula, a bronze mirror, a glass vessel and a silver coin. Interesting is also of a grave, in which twelve bronze coins of the Philippine colony were found.
The findings were presented At a special event, entitled “Underground Drama”, co -organized by the Greek Gas Distribution Company ENAON EDA, a subsidiary of ENAON, and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Drama at the patio of the city’s archaeological museum, in the presence of the Regional Governor Pavlidis, the Mayor of Kato Nevrokopi, local bodies and a multitude of people.
The unknown historical identity of Drama
“The cultural heritage of the place is its identity. Consequently, the protection and promotion of cultural heritage It is a sacred goal of all of us, “the Head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Drama Vasiliki Pouloudi said in her speech. “ENAON EDA in collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Drama,” continued Ms. Poulioudi, “has been able to bring to light new positions in the settlement of Drama, which was not known so far. These positions are of different times, starting from prehistoric to younger years. So is the role of this project important because it helps both in finding and in the emergence of antiquities. The archaeological finds, found in various parts of Drama, reveal valuable evidence. In 2025, five new positions were identified with prehistoric Hellenistic vessels, bakeries and furnaces, illuminating the life and daily lives of the people who lived in the city thousands of years ago. “
“The archaeological finds found during the work on the development of the Natural Gas Distribution Network in Drama, bring to light the cultural wealth of the area and create new prospects for its promotion and exploitation,” Edaon Eda’s chief executive, Francesca Zanniti.
“This partnership between modern technology and culture,” said Zanninotti, “It shows how growth and protection of heritage can move together. The transition of the city to a new energy era through innovative infrastructure is an investment for future generations, while the simultaneous promotion of historical heritage reminds that the future is built in the past. “
“The discovery and protection of these archaeological treasures would not be possible without our close cooperation with the archaeological services, the AMTH Region, the Local Government and all stakeholders. We shared a common goal: to proceed with the project for the energy upgrading of Drama, with respect to its history and cultural heritage, “concluded Enaon Eda’s chief executive.
A successful public and private partnership
‘In the ambitious but absolutely necessary infrastructure project that transforms the energy footprint of Drama and the entire AMU Region“, He mentioned in his speech by the Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis, stressing that” today’s event unites two seemingly opposite worlds: innovation and culture, energy and history. On the one hand, ENAON EDA is proceeding with decisive steps in developing the natural gas distribution network in our region. This project is deeply social and economic. It is the answer to the need for citizens for cheaper, cleaner energy. And of course, it is the result of coordinated cooperation. A genuine public and private conference, with tangible results.
At the same time, in the area of the Archaeological Museum of Drama, We have the opportunity to travel in the past through exhibits found during the project for the development of the gas distribution network in the city. It is important that ENAON EDA supports such cultural actions. It shows that a modern energy company operates with respect to the past and a vision for the future. “
As part of the event, photographic and documented material from the excavations were presented, as well as an indicative selection of findings that have already been transferred to the Museum. At the same time there were references to the way with which these findings are part of the historical and urban fabric of the ancient city. The event highlighted the importance of good cooperation between public services and private bodies, with the aim of protecting and promoting the country’s cultural reserve. As all the speakers noted, the example of Drama proves that technological progress is not an obstacle, but the reason for reconnecting with the past.
Work on the development of the natural gas distribution network in Drama continues with strict adherence to the protection and preservation processes of archaeological findings with respect to the environment and the local community. As part of the project, 57 km of low pressure network has been built in Drama to date and 2 km of medium pressure network, while more than 1000 home and trade meters of gas have been installed, and important city industries have been supplied.
It should be noted that Drama, along with Xanthi, Kavala, Komotini, Orestiada and Alexandroupolis, are the six cities of the AMTH Region, where Enaon EDA projects are implemented for the development of natural gas distribution networks. In total, the construction of 496 km of low and medium pressure network and more than 11,400 connections of domestic, commercial and industrial consumers.
Projects in the AMU Region are a total budget of EUR 49 million and are co -financed by company funds and resources from the AMU’s Operational Program. With the co-financing of Greece and the European Union, the projects began with the NSRF 2014-2020 resources and will be completed through the AMTH 2021-2027.