Mosaics Garden in Stobi

T he ancient town of Stobi has become the most important landmark of present-day Macedonia. Different things contributed to its tremendous popularity. First of all, its location in the central part of Macedonia just off the highway makes it easily accessible. Second, the depiction of the peacock from Stobi Episcopal Basilica mosaic on the banknote of 10 Macedonian denars, as well as on the label of the fastest growing Macedonian winery made it overwhelmingly popular, arousing curiosity about Stobi in anyone who comes to the country. And the curious will not be disappointed. Stobi is a most attractive site with well preserved ancient monuments and knowledgeable guides. It is spread over a big area and is perfect for a sunny day visit. Built at the confluence of Erigon (today’s River Crna) and Axios (today’s Vardar), it became a crossroad on the important Roman routes of Via Egnatia and Via Militaris. This strategic position made the town develop as an urban, political and trade centre. The earliest written evidence of Stobi is found in Livy’s description of the triumph of Phillip V over the Dardanians in Ab Urbe Condita. The battle happened near Stobi in 197 BC. Livi’s second mention of Stobi takes us to the Roman occupation of Macedonia and the year 167 BC, when the Romans defeated the last Macedonian king Perseus and divided the big kingdom into four provinces. Then Stobi became the capital of Macedonia Salutaris and also an important centre for salt trade. During the rule of Emperor Vespasian (69 -79 AD) Stobi minted its own coins with the inscription Municipium Stobensium, which were used in local trade. Read more…