The Ancient Macedonian Heritage of Vardar Macedonia
With the current ruling government of “North” Macedonia suppressing any identification among its people with the ancient Kingdom of Macedon, it is important to showcase the numerous sites within the country that were inhabited by the ancient Macedonians. Among these are sites where findings have included pieces that bear the Vergina Sun (Star of Kutleš) emblem (“trademarked” by Greece).
Of course, much of the ancient Macedonian findings of the region are displayed in museums, both within the republic and outside it. Following are major sites founded and/or controlled by the ancient Macedonians in Vardar Macedonia, along with descriptions of what you will find there today.
Isar, Valandovo Municipality
The most important archaeological site of the Valandovo area was inhabited from the 7th century BC to the 6th century AD. The ruins at Isar are believed to be the ancient Macedonian town of Idomenae, which first appeared in documentation in the 5th century BC during the Peloponnesian War. It sits on a hill above the Anska River. This was a fortified settlement formed nearby to the springs of the river. It later became a Roman city.
Today, the site consists of excavated ruins including foundations, walls, and slabs with inscriptions.
Old Bonče, Prilep Municipality
South of Prilep is an ancient Macedonian and Roman archaeological site near what could possibly have been the ancient Macedonian city of Pelagon, home of the Pelagones tribe. Its most important feature is a tomb from the 4th century BC, likely the final resting place of someone with royal status. There have been many important archaeological findings here, including a shield bearing the famous Vergina Sun and several coins depicting Alexander the Great.
The ruins of what is believed to be Pelagon consist mainly of stone blocks left from walls, alleys, and stairways, around Selečka Mountain.
Heraclea Lyncestis, Bitola Municipality
The best-known site on this list, the ancient city in present-day Bitola, was founded by Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, in the mid-4th century BC. It was strategically located near Macedon’s borders with Epirus and Paeonia. This site has some of the best ruins of any archaeological site in the country, with beautiful mosaics, a large amphitheatre, a portico, etc. However, most of what one can see today dates from after ancient Macedonian times.
Antania, Novaci Municipality
In the historic yet depopulated region of Mariovo is the ancient Macedonian town of Antania. Located near Čebren Monastery, it sits on the former Erigon (Crna) River road, on which Alexander the Great marched toward Pelium. Antania was connected to the Antanoi tribe. The ruins at the site today, however, mostly date from the Roman era.
Bylazora, Sveti Nikole Municipality
Once the largest town of Paeonia, Bylazora was strategically important with its location between Macedon and Dardania. It was conquered by Philip V of Macedon in 217 BC from the Dardanians and he rebuilt the town’s fortifications. His son Perseus, the last king of Macedon, arranged military support at Bylazora from the Gauls in defending it from the Romans in 168 BC during the Third Macedonian War, which effectively ended the independence of Macedon. The town seems to have become abandoned after this time. Archaeological excavations began in 2008.
Stobi, Gradsko Municipality
Stobi was a large Paeonian settlement and is today one of the largest archaeological sites in the country. Paeonia was annexed around 217 BC by Philip V of Macedon. Stobi was first mentioned in history records by Livy as a result of a victory by Philip V over Dardania in 197 BC. In the following decades, the city fell under Roman rule and most of what can be seen today is from the post-Macedonian era. However, findings have been unearthed at Stobi from the Classical period.
Ohrid, Ohrid Municipality
Ohrid’s fortress may have first been built during the era of Philip II of Macedon. Philip V of Macedon briefly maintained a garrison at Lychnidos (Ohrid) but lost control of it in 208 BC.
Other Sites
Other ancient Macedonian towns that are located or are tentatively located within Vardar Macedonia include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Alcomenae is tentatively located near present-day Kruševo.
- Antigonia is tentatively located near present-day Negotino. It is assumed to be one of three cities with the name of Antigonus II Gonatas, who gained control of Macedonia in 272 BC. During the Third Macedonian War, the city was one of the main cavalry suppliers to the Macedonian army.
- Bryanium is tentatively located near Demir Hisar.
- Damastion has been proposed to be have been located at various places in Macedonia, Serbia, and Albania. It was noted for its silver mines. Philip II of Macedon captured Damastion from the Dardanians.
- Desudaba is located near Kumanovo.
- Doberus is located near Strumica.
- Gordynia may have been located near Gevgelija.
- Perseis is tentatively located near Bitola. It was founded by Philip V of Macedon around 168 BC who named it after his son Perseus.
- Stena is tentatively located near Valandovo. It served as a station between Dojran and Stobi.
- Stymbara is located near Prilep. It was involved in the First Macedonian War around 200 BC, during which time it was the third encampment of Roman military officer Publius Sulpicius Galba Maximus. Stymbara also saw action during the Third Macedonian War.
