Scupi, Archaeological site in Karpoš Municipality, Skopje, North Macedonia
Scupi is a Roman settlement in Skopje whose excavated ruins reveal a theater, public baths, residential buildings, and a central forum. The archaeological site spans several distinct areas that show layers of remains from centuries of Roman occupation.
The settlement started as a Roman military camp in the 1st century BC and later grew into a major administrative center for the region. A major earthquake in 518 CE destroyed the city and marked the end of its urban life.
The findings at Scupi show how Roman building styles mixed with local techniques, visible in the stone work and decorated pottery throughout the excavated structures. Residents left traces of their daily lives through coins, tools, and household objects scattered across the site.
The site is accessible year-round, and visitors can walk freely across the ruins to explore the different structures. To better understand the history, it helps to visit the Museum of Skopje, which holds artifacts and additional information about the location.
The earthquake of 518 CE buried the city under rubble and soil, protecting Roman structures and everyday items that would otherwise have been lost. This disaster allowed archaeologists to preserve a detailed picture of life in the early 6th century.
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