Archaeologists in North Macedonia have unearthed the extensive remains of an ancient city, potentially a lost capital, with findings suggesting a much deeper and more significant history than previously understood. The discoveries include a Hellenistic-era mansion and artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age, hinting at royal connections and a sophisticated society.
A City of Ancient Significance
Recent excavations at the Gradishte archaeological site near Crnobuki village have revealed a sprawling urban center that may date back to the Bronze Age (c. 3300–1200 BCE). Previously thought to be a 3rd-century BCE Macedonian outpost, new evidence suggests it was a vibrant hub of activity. Advanced technologies like ground-penetrating radar and LiDAR have helped map the site, revealing a seven-acre acropolis and potential structures like a Macedonian-style theater and textile workshop.
Royal Connections and Hellenistic Influence
Key takeaways from the excavation include:
- A coin minted between 325-323 BCE, during Alexander the Great’s lifetime, pushing the site’s peak activity period back by a century.
- The discovery of a Hellenistic-period mansion with well-preserved Ionic capitals, plaster-decorated walls, and a private bath, indicating the presence of wealthy individuals.
- Artifacts such as pottery fragments, game pieces, textile-working tools, and a ceramic theater ticket, pointing to a sophisticated society.
- The potential identification of the site as Lyncus, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Lyncestis, and possibly the birthplace of Queen Eurydice I, Alexander the Great’s grandmother.
Unveiling a Deeper History
Carbon dating of organic materials places the site’s occupation from circa 360 BCE to as recent as 670 CE. The presence of classical architectural elements, like the Ionic capitals, are among the northernmost examples known in the Hellenistic world. Artifacts, including West Slope pottery and Thasian amphorae, further solidify the Hellenistic connection. A notable find is a ceramic shard with a vulgar Greek graffito, offering a rare glimpse into everyday speech.
A Collaborative Effort
The ongoing excavations are a collaborative effort between North Macedonia’s National Institute and Museum–Bitola and California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt (Cal Poly Humboldt). Researchers believe the city’s strategic location along trade routes to Constantinople suggests it may have been a place visited by historical figures like Octavian and Agrippa. The discoveries are crucial for understanding the complex networks and power structures of ancient Macedonia and its influence on early European cultures.
Sources
- Lost capital of ancient kingdom unearthed in North Macedonia, Archaeology News Online Magazine.
- Ancient Greek Mansion and Inscriptions Discovered in North Macedonia, GreekReporter.com.
- Humboldt Archaeologists Help Uncover Ancient City | Humboldt NOW, Humboldt NOW.
