Excavation Reveals Ancient Capital of Lyncestis in North Macedonia

Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery by unearthing remnants of a lost city that dates back thousands of years, with evidence indicating it may have served as the capital of a powerful ancient civilization.

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, announced the excavation on April 4, which took place at Gradishte, an archaeological site adjacent to the small North Macedonian village of Crnobuki. The project involved collaboration with specialists from the Institute and Museum in Bitola, North Macedonia.

Nick Angeloff, an anthropology professor and archaeologist at Cal Poly Humboldt, shared insights about the excavation. He suggested that the evidence strongly points towards Gradishte being the site of Lyncus, the lost capital of the Kingdom of Lyncestis. This kingdom fell under the dominion of King Philip II of Macedon in 358 B.C. With this discovery, the forgotten history of Lyncus may finally be coming to light.

Archaeological Significance of Lyncus

According to Angeloff, all signs indicate that this city is indeed Lyncus, a location that had remained elusive for centuries. He emphasized the rarity of this find, describing it as a unique archaeological achievement.

Lyncus is historically recognized as the only city associated with Upper Macedonia and had never been definitively found until now. Angeloff remarked on the significance of this site, underscoring its contribution to our understanding of ancient Macedonian history.

Settled in the 7th century B.C., Lyncus is also recognized as the birthplace of Eurydice I of Macedon. This influential figure played a pivotal role during her time, being the grandmother of the renowned Alexander the Great.

Angeloff emphasized the importance of Eurydice I in history, noting that her legacy extends beyond her own life as both the mother of Philip II and the grandmother of Alexander. The discovery of Lyncus, if confirmed, would establish a crucial link to one of history’s greatest military leaders.

New Findings and Technological Advances

Initial assessments of the site indicated that the ruins were constructed during the reign of King Philip V of Macedon, who ruled from 221 to 179 B.C. However, further excavations revealed a coin from the era of Alexander the Great, dating the site back to the 4th century B.C. The analysis suggests that Lyncus was occupied long before this period, extending into the Bronze Age.

Utilizing advanced remote-sensing technologies such as LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, archaeologists were able to visualize the ground beneath Gradishte. Their findings led to the estimation that the city may have housed approximately 10,000 residents at its peak, though ongoing research is expected to refine these estimates.

Angeloff explained how the technology revealed the design of a fortress that was capable of accommodating an entire city. The infrastructure discovered so far points towards a well-organized urban center prepared to withstand attacks, particularly from Roman forces.

Further analysis of the location showed an acropolis with sufficient room and amenities for an entire community nestled within its protective walls. This discovery is leading historians to appreciate the defensive architecture of ancient Macedonia.

Along with the trend of archaeological richness, a variety of artifacts were unearthed, including a textile workshop. Among these, they found a coin emblazoned with Alexander’s likeness, along with axes, gaming pieces, and an oil lamp, which provide insights into the daily lives of the city’s inhabitants.

One particularly intriguing artifact was a clay theater ticket, a find unique to North Macedonia. Angeloff pointed out that while theater tickets typically took the form of bronze or iron and were usually reused, this particular ticket indicates an important cultural venue may have existed in the area.

Using LiDAR, researchers speculate they may have identified the remains of an ancient theater, resembling those of earlier Macedonian design rather than Roman style. This aspect of the excavation promises further exploration into Macedonia’s cultural and artistic legacy.

Future of Archaeology in North Macedonia

Angeloff emphasizes the significance of these discoveries for the historical understanding of North Macedonia. He and his team intend to return for more excavations in May and June, aiming to uncover additional layers of history hidden beneath the surface.

The archaeological potential in North Macedonia is vast, and this project will likely enhance our knowledge of both the classical and Roman eras. Angeloff noted that investment in archaeology in this region has been relatively limited, indicating a unique opportunity to explore a critical chapter in ancient history.

This research holds the promise of expanding current understandings of the era of Alexander the Great along with insights into the Roman Empire through systematic excavations of Macedonia. As excavations progress, the archaeological team remains optimistic about what new discoveries lie ahead.

Information and insights for this article were contributed by Fox News Digital’s Kyle Schmidbauer.