Aikaterinh Balla Source: C.E.T.I. © Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace

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A prehistoric citadel dating from the Late Bronze to the Early Iron Age (1200–900 BC) is preserved at the location of Kremastos, on the NW corner of Ismaros and between the villages of Ergani and Xylagani.

The naturally protected hillock encloses a fortified area though only some parts are now preserved. It is built with irregular-shaped stones and it consists of seven sections that protected the passage among the rocks towards the top. There is a separate fortification on the summit of the hill.

Foundations of rectangular and circular stone buildings are preserved at the two sections of the citadel. In the middle of the southern side of the hillock there is a gate formed with a small quadrilateral propylon, while at the NW corner of the upper citadel, into a specially protected area, there is a large ellipsoid building that might have been a ruler’s house.

Engraved and ridged pottery of the 13th – 12th centuries BC was uncovered at the area.

According to the buildings and the finds revealed at the area, it seems that there was some sort of central power in a primitive stage, possibly as a result of the economic development and the human gathering at the same place.