Over the past five years, work on the natural gas distribution network in Drama has uncovered many interesting archaeological finds. These discoveries offer new information about the city’s long history.

The excavations revealed everyday objects and parts of buildings. These show that people lived in Drama from the Hellenistic period up to the Byzantine era. Among the finds are parts of homes, stone-paved roads, household items, pottery, coins, and pipes. These give valuable insights into the daily lives of people who lived in ancient Drama.

One of the most interesting discoveries was two undisturbed graves – one of a man and one of a young woman. Early studies suggest the woman was between 16 and 22 years old. In her grave, archaeologists found items such as a silver spatula, a bronze mirror, a glass container, and a silver coin. Another grave contained 12 bronze coins from the ancient city of Philippi.

The finds were presented during a special event called “Underground Drama,” held at the city’s archaeological museum. The event was organized by the Greek Gas Distribution Company Enaon EDA and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Drama. Many local officials and residents attended.

Drama’s Unknown History

Vasiliki Poulioudi, head of the Drama Ephorate of Antiquities, said the cultural heritage of an area is part of its identity. She emphasized the importance of protecting and highlighting this heritage. She noted that the project revealed new historical sites in Drama, ranging from prehistoric to modern times. In 2025 alone, five new sites were found. These included Hellenistic pottery, ovens, and kilns that show how people lived thousands of years ago.

Francesca Zanninotti, CEO of Enaon EDA, said the archaeological discoveries highlight the region’s rich cultural heritage. She said this cooperation between modern technology and culture shows how development and heritage protection can go hand in hand. She added that the project is an investment in both the city’s energy future and its historical past.

A Successful Public–Private Partnership

Christodoulos Topsidis, governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (AMTH), said the gas project is an important investment that connects energy and history. It provides cleaner, cheaper energy while also supporting cultural efforts. He praised the partnership between the public and private sectors and highlighted the importance of respecting the past while building for the future.

At the event, photos and documents from the excavations were shown, along with a sample of the objects already taken to the museum. Speakers explained how the findings connect to the ancient city’s layout and history. Everyone agreed that technology and culture can work together and that the Drama project proves this.

Work on the gas network in Drama continues, with great care taken to protect archaeological sites. So far, 57 km of low-pressure and 2 km of medium-pressure gas pipelines have been built in the city. More than 1,000 homes and businesses have been connected, and key local industries are also now using natural gas.

Drama is one of six cities in the AMTH region where Enaon EDA is developing gas networks. The other cities are Xanthi, Kavala, Komotini, Orestiada, and Alexandroupoli. In total, 496 km of pipelines and over 11,400 consumer connections are planned.

These projects cost €49 million and are funded by both Enaon’s own resources and the AMTH regional development program. They began under Greece’s 2014–2020 EU development plan and will finish under the 2021–2027 program.