Pydna, Archaeological site near Mount Olympus, Greece
Pydna is an ancient coastal settlement along the Thermaic Gulf with visible remains of fortifications and buildings spanning multiple periods of occupation. The site spreads across a large area displaying successive settlement phases from early antiquity through the Byzantine era.
The settlement was founded in early times by Greeks and later underwent significant changes under Roman and subsequent rule. The site experienced a major turning point when Roman legions under Lucius Aemilius Paullus defeated the Macedonian kingdom and brought the region under their control.
The archaeological layers reveal multiple civilizations that occupied this coastal area, from Bronze Age burial grounds through Byzantine basilicas decorated with detailed frescoes and intricate mosaics. Each civilization left its mark on the site, creating a visible record of changing peoples and beliefs.
The location stands about 6 kilometers north of Korinos and is easily reached via the A1 motorway running along the eastern coast. Visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and wear sturdy shoes, as the archaeological site spreads across a wide area.
A Macedonian king ordered an unusual relocation of the town's inhabitants from the coast to inland areas to move the entire settlement. This mass relocation happened in early classical times and is recorded in ancient historical accounts.
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