The Homeland of Alexander the Great

This summer, come help excavate the Classical city of Heraclea Lyncestis in southwestern Macedonia. Philip of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, founded the hilltop site of Heraclea in the fourth century B.C. as a strategic and commercial outpost in the fertile plain of Lyncestis. Under Roman rule, the city expanded greatly and became a key stopping point on the long road between Rome and Asia Minor. Official and private inscriptions found at the site also tell us that many Roman veterans chose to settle down in Heraclia once their service to Caesar was over.

Excavations that have been ongoing at Heraclia since the 1950s have uncovered the remnants of the site’s large fortification wall, numerous private buildings and public streets, as well as a large Roman theater that was built directly into the hillside. In addition, archaeologists have discovered the remains of two Christian basilicas of the fifth and sixth centuries A.D., both outfitted with intricately detailed mosaics. For two weeks this summer, you can join archaeologists as they uncover even more of this ancient city. This season, the team will be focusing on uncovering some of the site’s earliest Hellenistic remains, further defining the numerous features of the Roman theater, and excavating the Late Antique necropolis at the northern end of the site.

Field school participants will be housed two to three to a room in a comfortable hotel in the town of Bitola. All rooms have televisions and fully equipped bathrooms.