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Archaeologists believe they have unearthed the remains of an ancient city, possibly Lyncus, in North Macedonia. This significant discovery may hold clues to the civilization that predates Alexander the Great. Initially identified in 1966, the site’s true significance wasn’t realized until recent surveys in 2023 revealed an acropolis and artifacts indicating a much older settlement.
Unearthing Lyncus: An Ancient Macedonian City
The location, near the village of Crnobuki, was previously thought to be a mere military outpost against Roman incursions. However, the discovery of pottery, coins, and a clay theatre ticket, some predating the Roman era, prompted a reevaluation. Notably, a coin minted between 325 and 323 BC, during the lifetime of Alexander the Great, further fueled this renewed interest. A collaborative team from North Macedonia’s Institute and Museum-Bitola and California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt has initiated a new excavation to explore the site’s potential fully.
Lyncus: A Glimpse into Pre-Alexander Macedonia
Engin Nasuh, curator-advisor archeologist at the National Institute and Museum-Bitola, suggests that exploring the settlement of Lyncus could offer invaluable insights into Macedonian society before the reign of Alexander the Great. He remarked, “We’re only beginning to scratch the surface of what we can learn about this period.”
Bronze Age Origins
Current archaeological assessments suggest that the city was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age, approximately 3,300-1,200 BC. This implies that discoveries at the site could illuminate aspects of ancient western civilization and culture. As Mr. Nasuh stated, “It is a civilisation that played a major role in today’s understanding of the world and the desire to connect different civilisations and cultures.”
Historical Significance of the Macedonian City
Nick Angeloff, archaeologist and Anthropology professor at California Poly Humboldt, emphasized the discovery’s importance, stating, “This discovery is significant.”
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- “It highlights the complex networks and power structures of ancient Macedonia, especially given the city’s location along trade routes to Constantinople.”
- “It’s even possible that historical figures like Octavian and Agrippa passed through the area on their way to confront Cleopatra and Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium.”
Possible Birthplace of Royalty
Historians also speculate that Lyncus may have been the birthplace of Queen Eurydice I, the grandmother of Alexander the Great. Eurydice I played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s political landscape.
Looking Ahead
Mr. Nasuh concluded, “All these studies are just a small part of the research of early European civilisations. I see it as a large mosaic, and our studies are just a few pebbles in that mosaic. With each subsequent study, a new pebble is placed, until one day we get the entire picture.”