Archaeologists have unearthed a significant ancient city in North Macedonia, far older and more expansive than previously believed. Initial findings suggest the site, known as Gradishte near the village of Crnobuki, predates the Roman Empire by centuries, potentially reaching back to the Bronze Age. This discovery promises to rewrite our understanding of early Macedonian civilization.

Key Takeaways

  • The ancient settlement of Gradishte, previously thought to be a minor outpost, has been revealed as a substantial city.
  • Discoveries include a coin dating to Alexander the Great’s lifetime, pushing the city’s origins back significantly.
  • Evidence suggests occupation dating as far back as the Bronze Age.
  • The site may be the lost capital of the Kingdom of Lyncestis or the birthplace of Queen Eurydice I.

A City Rediscovered

For decades, the archaeological site of Gradishte was considered a mere military outpost, possibly built to defend against Roman incursions. However, recent excavations, employing advanced technologies like ground-penetrating radar and drone-deployed LIDAR, have unveiled a much larger and more complex urban center. The acropolis alone spans at least seven acres, indicating a significant settlement.

Unearthing Ancient History

The excavation team, a collaboration between North Macedonia’s National Institute and Museum–Bitola and Cal Poly Humboldt, has unearthed a wealth of artifacts. These include stone axes, pottery fragments, game pieces, textile tools, and a clay theater ticket. A pivotal discovery was a coin minted between 325-323 BCE, during the lifetime of Alexander the Great. This find, along with carbon dating of organic materials, suggests the site was occupied from at least 360 BCE to 670 CE, pushing its origins back centuries earlier than previously thought and possibly into the Bronze Age (3,300-1,200 BCE).

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Potential Significance

Archaeologists are exploring the possibility that Gradishte is the lost capital city of the Kingdom of Lyncestis, an ancient Macedonian kingdom. Another intriguing theory is that it could be the birthplace of Queen Eurydice I, the influential grandmother of Alexander the Great. The city’s strategic location along ancient trade routes to Constantinople also suggests it may have been a crucial hub, potentially even visited by historical figures like Octavian and Agrippa.

Ongoing Research

Researchers emphasize that they are only beginning to understand the full scope of this discovery. The ongoing work at Gradishte is expected to provide deeper insights into the complex networks, power structures, and vibrant culture of ancient Macedonia, contributing significantly to the understanding of early European states and their influence on Western civilization.

### Key Takeaways

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Emre Emehet
Emre Emehet
Emre Emehet is a 45-year-old journalist from the Balkans, best known for his dedication to telling stories that reflect the everyday lives of people in his region. Growing up in a small town in northern Bosnia, Emre always had an interest in local history and storytelling, which drew him to pursue a degree in journalism and communications at the University of Sarajevo. He wasn’t the top of his class, but his professors admired his practical approach and natural curiosity, qualities that would later define his career.

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