Archaeologists Uncover Lost Ancient City in North Macedonia!
In an exciting turn of events, archaeologists in North Macedonia have uncovered the remains of an ancient city that could be far more significant than previously believed. Situated near the village of Crnobuki, the Gradishte archaeological site was long assumed to be a 3rd-century BCE Macedonian outpost during the reign of King Philip V. However, new findings from a joint research team comprising the National Institute and Museum–Bitola and California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt (Cal Poly Humboldt) suggest a much deeper and richer history.
Photo Credit: Cal Poly Humboldt’s Cultural Resources Facility
A Lost Capital Revealed
The Gradishte site, initially thought to date back only to the Hellenistic period, now appears to have roots extending as far back as the Bronze Age (around 3300–1200 BCE). Modern technologies like ground-penetrating radar and LiDAR have allowed researchers to uncover evidence of a vibrant urban centre. Among the remarkable discoveries are stone axes, pottery fragments, game pieces, textile-working tools, and even a fragment of a clay theatre ticket. These findings paint a picture of a sophisticated society, likely much older and more complex than previously realised.
The most thrilling discovery came in 2023 when the team uncovered a coin that dates back to between 325 and 323 BCE—while Alexander the Great was still alive. This pushed the peak activity at the site back by a century, as it was once believed to have occurred during Philip V’s reign (221–179 BCE). Further carbon dating of organic materials, including charcoal and bone, has shown that the site’s history spans from roughly 360 BCE to as late as 670 CE.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime discovery," said Nick Angeloff, an anthropology professor and archaeologist from Cal Poly Humboldt. "It highlights the complex networks and power structures of ancient Macedonia, especially given the city’s strategic location along trade routes leading to Constantinople. It’s even possible that figures such as Octavian and Agrippa passed through the area on their way to the Battle of Actium, where they confronted Cleopatra and Mark Antony," Angeloff added.
Photo Credit: Cal Poly Humboldt’s Cultural Resources Facility
A Forgotten Kingdom?
The site may be the long-lost capital of the Kingdom of Lyncestis, an autonomous Macedonian kingdom that remained resistant to conquest until it was eventually absorbed by Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, in the 4th century BCE. There’s even speculation that this site could be the birthplace of Queen Eurydice I, the influential grandmother of Alexander, who played a pivotal role in the early formation of the Macedonian state.
Engin Nasuh, a curator-advisor archaeologist at the National Institute and Museum–Bitola, emphasised the importance of this rediscovery. "We’re only scratching the surface of what we can learn from this period. I see it as a large mosaic, and our studies are just a few pebbles in that mosaic. With each new study, a new piece is added, until one day we’ll have the whole picture," Nasuh explained.
The Site’s Forgotten History
While the Gradishte site was first mentioned in literature back in 1966, it remained largely unexplored until recent times. Thanks to funding from Cal Poly Humboldt’s College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, advanced technology has revealed new insights into the city’s scale, including a seven-acre acropolis, a possible Macedonian-style theatre, and a textile workshop.
Rather than being a mere outpost, it seems this city played a central role in Upper Macedonia, influencing trade, politics, and culture throughout the region. As excavations continue, the research team is eager to uncover more details about how this city contributed to the development of early European cultures and its connection to the rise of the ancient Macedonian state.