| Aiani Αιανή |
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| Location | |
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Aiani
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| Coordinates | |
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Location within the regional unit
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| Government | |
| Country: | Greece |
| Region: | West Macedonia |
| Regional unit: | Kozani |
| Municipality: | Kozani |
| Population statistics (as of 2001) | |
| Municipal unit | |
| - Population: | 3,816 |
| Community | |
| - Population: | 2,074 |
| Other | |
| Time zone: | EET/EEST (UTC+2/3) |
| Auto: | KZ |
Aiani (Greek: Αιανή)[1] or Kalliani is a town and a former municipality in the Kozani regional unit, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Kozani, of which it is a municipal unit.[2] It lies 20 km south of Kozani city. Population 3,816 (2001).
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Aiani was the capital of Elimiotis, a kingdom and region of Upper Macedonia, which became part of Macedon in early 4th century BC.
Since 1983, systematic excavations in the area have brought to light finds that attest the existence of an organised city from the 2nd millennium BC to 100 BC. These are now housed in the Aiani Archaeological Museum. The excavations in the city of Aiani, brought to light the oldest pieces of matt-painted (black and white) pottery ever found. Some of the pottery dates back to the 14th century BC (Μycenaean era). Amongst the pottery, some of the oldest samples of writing were found. Amongst them we have names inscribed like Πλεόνα (Pleona) and Θέμιδα (Themida), which prove that the society of that region of Macedonia, spoke and wrote Greek before the 5th century BC.[3][4] A single example of linear writing similar to that of southern Greece has been found, but its significance still remains unknown.[5]
The municipal unit Aiani is subdivided into the following communities:
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