PELLA

It became the capital of the Macedonian Kingdom at the beginning of the 4th century BC. The city was organized and expanded during the reign of Philip II and Cassander and flourished from the 4th till the 2nd century BC. It was captured by the Romans in 168/167 BC and finally was destroyed by an earthquake in the first decade of the 1st century BC. Excavations revealed the most important monument of the city:

The private houses: the most notable house is the one with the mosaic floor representing Dionysos and the Lion Hunt. The other house mosaic floor represents the Abduction of Helen, the Stag Hunt and Amazonomachy. Both houses cover an area of 2500-3000 sq. m.

The Palace: lies on the northernmost hill and covers an area of 6 hectares. It consists of two independent complexes organized around a large open central courtyard.

The Agora: it is situated at the center of the city and covers an area of 7 hectares. It is an open square surrounded by a stoa (shops and workshops). The north wing was dedicated for administrative purposes while the southwest end included the archives of the city where the clay sealings of papyri were uncovered.

The Sanctuaries: three major Sanctuaries:
a) The Thesmophorion lying at the NW end of the city with circular enceinte, an altar in the center and cuttings on the floor (negaron).
b) The Sanctuary of Aphrodite, the mother of gods. It is an open area to the north of the Agora and includes a temple, Dedicated to Aphrodite, workshop areas, storerooms, banquet halls etc.
c) The Sanctuary of Darron, the curing god according to an inscription. It consists of a temple, a fountain, a cistern and wells.