Archaeologists close to the breakthrough. An ancient city can change history

If the assumptions are confirmed, it may mean that the birthplace of Eurydyka and Mother Filip II and grandmother Alexander the Great were found.

A breakthrough in northern Macedonia. Can change the story of Alexander the Great

Although in general consciousness the story of ancient Macedonia begins with the reign of Filip II and his famous son, earlier political formations played a key role in creating the foundations of the future empire.

One of such entities was the Kingdom of Lyncestis, lying in the mountainous part of today’s northern Macedonia. According to historical sources, “Lyncestis was a small kingdom that flourished in northern Macedonia, which was incorporated into the Macedonian Empire during the reign of King Filip II (359 to 336 PNE).”

It was from this small state that Eurydyka I was supposed to come. Her marriage with King Amyntas III, Filip II’s father, not only cemented the political alliance, but also provided the future ruler with legitimacy and support of local elites. Historical messages emphasize: “According to historical messages, Eurydyk and Macedonian, Mother of Filip II and grandmother Aleksander (who reigned from 336 to 323 RPNE), she was probably born in Lyncus.”

From the forgotten fortress to the royal city

The archaeological position in Gradishte has been known to scientists since 1966. For decades, however, it was considered a military relic – a kind of border guards or a military institution. This interpretation was changed only by the latest research from 2023, conducted by a team of researchers from California State Polytechnic University in Humboldt.

They used lidar technology, allowing precise imaging of structures hidden under thick vegetation. “It wasn’t until 2023 that a team of scientists conducted a lidar study (light and distance detection), using air drones equipped with lasers to create a terrain topography map.”

The data received changed the perception of this place. Acropolis with an area of ​​at least 2.8 hectares was identified, as well as numerous structures typical of the city – not a military watchtower. According to the published report: “The study showed that the city had an acropolis with an area of ​​at least 7 acres (2.8 hectares).

In addition to the remains of a textile workshop and something that seems to be a theater, archaeologists also found a variety of artifacts, including ceramics, coins, game elements, and even a clay ticket to the theater. ”

New dating – a breakthrough in chronology

Until recently, it was thought that the ruins in Gradishte came from later, specifically from the period of Filip V (221–179 BC), so long after the death of Alexander the Great. Everything changed with the discovery of one inconspicuous artifact – a silver coin.

“However, the discovery of a coin broken between 325 and 323 RPNE indicates that it was used during Aleksander’s lifetime, according to the statement.” This means that the settlement existed and functioned at a time when Alexander the Great led its famous expeditions to the East.

This find not only pre -redefines dating the position itself, but also opens the way to the hypothesis that Gradishte can be identical to the Lyncus – family city of the Eurydyka Queen mentioned in the sources.

The archaeological potential of northern Macedonia

The discovery in Gradishte shows how many secrets can still hide the relatively poorly tested Balkans region. Archaeologists emphasize that Lidar technology, which allowed for a breakthrough in Gradishte, has the potential to revolutionize research on other ancient centers hidden. This is an example that the latest technologies can shed light on events from over two thousand years ago.

For North Macedonia herself, which is the heir to the heritage of ancient Macedonia, such discoveries are not only scientific, but also cultural and identity. With each new artifact, a fuller picture of the history of the region is arranged, which gave the world one of the greatest chiefs of antiquity.