Heraclea Lyncestis

About

Founded by Philip II of Macedon in the middle of the 4th century BC, he named his victory city after the Greek mythological hero Heracles. An important city through antiquity, it was a key stopping point on the Roman road, Via Egnatia, and a Episcopal seat during the early days of Christianity. The city began a gradual decline in the 5th century, thanks in large part to raids from northern tribes. Today, the city is one of the best preserved archaeological sites in Macedonia. Several buildings from the Roman period are visible, such as the baths, theatre - which was used for gladiator fights until the practice was banned. There are also remnants from the Early Christianity years, such as the small and large Basilicas, Episcopal Residence, and necropolis. Also on the grounds is a small museum, which exhibits some of the artefacts uncovered here, and has a nice model illustrating what the city was like at its peak.