Archaeologists Discover Ancient City of Lyncus in North Macedonia

Archaeologists excavating at Gradishte in North Macedonia have potentially uncovered the lost capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lyncestis, previously thought to date back to King Philip V's reign but now suggested to be from the era of Alexander the Great due to the discovery of a coin minted between 325 and 323 BC. The site, investigated by a joint team from Macedonia’s Institute and Museum-Bitola and Cal Poly Humboldt, has revealed an extensive urban area, including an acropolis and a Macedonian-style theatre, indicating a much more complex history than previously understood. Recent excavations utilized advanced techniques such as ground-penetrating radar and drone-mounted LiDAR, uncovering evidence of continuous human habitation dating back to the Bronze Age. Nick Angeloff, an archaeologist involved in the project, highlighted the significant implications of these findings for understanding the trade routes and power structures of ancient Macedonia. This discovery is set to enhance knowledge about the region's historical context and its role in Mediterranean civilization. Overall, the Gradishte site illustrates the rich and intricate history of North Macedonia long before the Roman Empire's influence.