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Imathia (Prefecture)
Vergina Silver Water Vase |
Welcome to Imathia!
The finds during the excavations in one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe, Vergina village, have made the Prefecture of Imathia renowned world-wide. It was here that, in 1977-78, the ancient Macedonian Royal Tombs were found, confirming that Vergina is the place where Aeges, the first capital city of the Macedonian Kingdom, was located.
Those excavations, besides the Tombs, brought to light the Acropolis, well preserved parts of the fortification walls, foundations of houses built in the Hellenistic Era, the Palace, the Theater, the Temple and, at the edge of the city to the north, the Cemetery. All inscriptions found are in the Greek language.
The most important and richest one of the three tombs found is believed to be that of King Philip B’, father to Alexander the Great. Few scientists believe that the tomb belongs to King Philip C’ (also called Aridaeos), half-brother of Alexander. If this is the case, the weapons found in the tomb must have belonged to Alexander himself, brought back to Macedonia, after Alexander’s death, by Aridaeos, who had accompanied his half-brother in his exploits but, due to his bad health, he was in no position to bear arms. Either way, the importance of the area as the center of the Ancient Macedonian Kingdom is well deserved!
The city of Veria, capital of the Prefecture, is a modern city which has preserved a number of traditional neighborhoods. In Byzantine times, it was one of the most important centers of Macedonia. Today, there are more than 50 Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches with interesting frescoes, and the city, crossed by the Tripotamos River, shows an intense cultural life.
Another town in the same region is Naoussa, with its well-known waterfalls, fruit production, and carnival festival. Near Naoussa is the village Lefkada, where Macedonian tombs and remnants of Hellenistic buildings have been excavated. Nine kilometers (5.6 miles) northeast of Veria, in the village of Nea Nikomedea, a 7th millennium Neolithic settlement has been excavated, which, together with Sesklo in Thessaly, are the most ancient agricultural settlements in Europe.
The 5-kilometer long Seli Gorge and the “Saranda Ondathes” caves are of great interest to international and Greek trekkers. In Seli, there is also a major skiing resort center, with a lift capacity of 850 persons an hour and all related services. Another major ski center is Tria-Pende Pigadia, outside Naoussa.
| Imathia: Cities and Towns | | |
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Alexandria City, Naoussa City, Seli Ski Center, Tria Pente Pigadia Ski Center, Vergina Village, Veria City
Vergina, the Royal Tombs |
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