Stobi

About

Stobi was founded as an ancient Paeonian settlement before being conquered by Philip V around 217 BC. Under the Romans, Stobi grew to become the provincial capital, and was even visited by Emperor Theodosius I in 388. The city’s decline began when it was sacked by the Ostrogoth King Theodoric in 479, a powerful earthquake in 518, and finally the Avaro-Slavic invasions in the 6th century. Today, Stobi is the largest archaeological site in Macedonia - 25 ruins have been unearthed, and it’s still slowly being excavated by archaeologists. The first and largest ruin you see is the 1st century theater, with a 4th-century Episcopal Basilica nearby. Believed to be the first church in Macedonia, you can still see beautifully preserved mosaics and early Christian frescoes. Other highlights include the Theodisian Palace and House of Psalms, which both sport stupendous mosaic floors, Roman House with its 1st century frescoes.