Archaeological Tourism

The existence of Macedonia can be traced as far back as the times of the Bible, where it says that during his first journey out of Asia, St. Paul the Apostle went to preach in Macedonia, among the Macedonians. In his novel "One Hundred Years of Solitude" the "apostle" of contemporary world literature Gabriel Garcia Marques mentions "the wise alchemists of Macedonia".

Several legends try to explain the origin of the name Macedonia. According to some, the country received its name after its king, Macedon. On the other hand, the scholars claim that the name has its origin in the old Macedonian words makos (large, high) and don (land), which, when put together, render the meaning of a large, high, mountainous land.

Macedonia has been the intersection of many roads and civilizations during the past. Eastern and western influences are transgressing here, as Macedonia has always been the fortification of Europe against eastern Islamic impacts and influence, but also the gate through which European influence penetrated the east. All this contributed for the territory of Macedonia to become rich in culture and inheritance from different periods and civilizations. The archaeological finds are numerous and date back to ancient history: the Early and Middle Neolith, through the Bronze and the Iron age to the early and middle Greek and Roman periods, the time of Byzantium and up to modern days.

The territory of Macedonia was inhabited by non-indo European dwellers as early as the Neolith, 4500 years B.C. After the Indo-European tribes settled on the Balkan Peninsula, these regions were inhabited by the Paeons, ancient Macedonians, Illyrians, Thracians and Hellenes. The ancient Macedonians populated the central part of the Balkans. Ancient Macedonia reached its zenith during the reign of King Philip II and his son Alexander the Great. The Romans conquered Macedonia in the 2nd century BC, whereas in the 4th century AD it became part of the Byzantine Empire.

During the 6th and 7th centuriy it was inhabited by Slavic tribes who created specific territorial units called sclavines. The late 10th century was marked by the creation of a powerful Macedonian kingdom by Tsar Samuel. Its seat was first in Prespa and then in Ohrid. This Empire was destroyed by the forceful assaults of the Byzantine army. Three centuries later the Turkish invasion began from the East and it was followed by colonization from the Ottomans. The Ottomans ruled for the next 500 years.

Our Archaeological Tours

Take a seat in the King’s throne! A medieval fortress built on a fascinating spot, a king's throne, a cave that hides a spring of healing water, huge cakes and breads, an elephant on a colorful carpet - does this sound like a fairytale? The location of the Fortress of Krali Marko (Markovi Kuli) is full of surprises - visiting it is like travel through time. click here >>

A Walk on the Ancient Road If you want to feel the atmosphere of a seventeen centuries old casino, or throw a coin into the fountain of wishes or even be part of a costume play - use this opportunity to spend one day extraordinarily. click here >>