In North Macedonia, archaeologists have made a significant discovery, shedding new light on the Hellenistic period. During excavations organized by the Museum of Kumanovo, an elite residence from the late 4th to early 3rd century BC was discovered at the Gradishte archaeological site near the village of Mlado Nagorichane.
The excavation was led by archaeologist Dejan Gjorgjievski. Researchers uncovered a well-preserved building with Ionic capitals, a central courtyard, porticos, and a private bathroom with a water supply system – rare features for the inland region of the Balkans. These elements indicate close cultural ties to the Hellenistic world.
Among the findings are imported and local ceramics, including amphorae from the island of Thasos, as well as a fragment of a vessel with an inscription in colloquial Greek – the northernmost example of such graffiti recorded to date.
Archaeologists believe the building belonged to a local aristocrat deeply integrated into Hellenistic cultural practices. The discovery confirms that the influence of Hellenistic civilization extended not only to coastal areas but also into the interior of the Balkan Peninsula.
Further study of the findings is expected to provide a more complete picture of the social structure, architecture, and daily life of the elite during this period. Future plans include expanding the excavations, analyzing the materials, and creating a virtual reconstruction of the discovered residence.