The Ruins of Stobi

A sprawling set of ruins just off the highway, near the town of Gradsko, Stobi is the largest archaeological site in Macedonia. Thanks to its strategic location at the confluence of the rivers Crna and Vardar, Stobi was an important city for both the Paeonian Kingdom and the Romans, until being abandoned following a major earthquake in 518 AD.

Stobi is literally meters away Macedonia’s main highway; you pull off the exit directly into the parking lot. Given this ease of access and the site’s (relative) fame, I had expected some sort of crowd, but we were the only ones here for the duration of our visit. Incredible, but we couldn’t have been happier to have this immense site all to ourselves.

There is a lot to see at Stobi, so we wasted no time, heading straight to the nearest, largest ruin in sight:the theater, originally built in the first century AD, and scene of both dramas and gladiatorial combat. Just past the theater is the Episcopal Basilica, thought to be the very first church in Macedonia, built in the early fourth century. Within the church is a baptistery which has beautifully preserved mosaics, including the famous peacock which graces bottles of Stobi Wine, as well as some very early Christian frescoes.

After examining the Basilica, we took a look at the time: in 30 minutes, we had managed to see two of Stobi’s twenty five ruins. But it was hard to pick up the pace, when every step brought us past something so fascinating. We followed ancient roads like the Via Sacra, Via Principalis Superior and Via Axis, and were led past excavated houses, shops, fountains and baths. And then we came upon the Theodisian Palace, with its large courtyard, broken columns, and mosaic floors… as though we’d be capable of speeding past that!

Further on, there’s the Synanogue Basilica, confirming the presence of a Jewish population within the city. The synagogue is connected to the House of Psalms, which boasts more mosaics, including one depicting deer drinking from a water jug: the scene is thought to be a representation of Psalm 42. We saw a structure named the Casino, an upscale house where dice and playing tables were found, and theRoman House, with frescoes from the first century AD, and the enigmatically-named Building with Arches, which is… a building with arches.

And these were just some of the highlights at Stobi. We could easily have spent hours here, and fans of archaeology should plan on an entire day. There is plenty of information posted throughout the grounds, and their website is excellent. As though that weren’t enough, there’s usually an English-speaking guide waiting at the entrance, to walk with you through the site and give you a better appreciation for details you might otherwise skip by.

Stobi was our final archaeological site in Macedonia and, in my opinion, we saved the best for last (though Jürgen was partial to Heraclea Lyncestis). Especially with its location along the highway, there is really no excuse to pass Stobi by.

http://youtu.be/6Yz5ttUbgeY

Извор: “Macedonia for 91 days“