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

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A tumulus was found south of the village of Makri and west of the coast of Alexandroupolis close to the sea. It is situated near the modern village of Platanos and lies on a natural rocky elevation about 400 m long. While the northern side is smooth, the southern is rather abrupt. In the ragged coast that forms the southern boundary of the tumulus, a cave was found as well as carved constructions (niches and staircases). The cave that the locals call the Cave of Cyclops Polyphemus consists of two levels and three rooms. It appears to have been inhabited during the prehistoric era, while later it served as a place of worship of the Thracian deities. It is difficult to date with accuracy the carved constructions on the east of the cave. Still, the presence of these constructions denotes the exploitation of the rocky area throughout many centuries.

Above the cave lies the Neolithic settlement of Makri (5th Millenium BC) extending to a significant distance from the centre of the tumulus and is considered as a one of the most important settlements in Western Trace and the Balkans as well. In the same site signs of habitation were traced originating from the Paleolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages as well as the historic times.