Heraclea was a strategically important town during the Hellenistic period, as it was at the edge of Macedon's border with Epirus to the west, and to the non-Greek world to the north, until the middle of the 2nd century BC, when the Romans conquered Macedon and destroyed its political power. The Romans divided Macedonia into 4 regions and Heraclea was in the fourth region. The main Roman road in the area, Via Egnatia went through Heraclea, and Heraclea was an important stop. The prosperity of the city was maintained mainly due to this road. Objects discovered from the time of Roman rule in Heraclea are: Votive monuments, a portico, thermae (baths), a theatre and town walls. In the early Christian period, Heraclea was an important Episcopal seat. Some of its bishops are mentioned in synods in Serdica and other nearby towns. From this period are the ensembles of the Small and Great (Large, Big) basilica. The Grave (Funeral) basilica with a necropolis is located east of the theatre.
After a heavy earthquake struck the city in the early 6th. century AD, its inhabitants gradually abandoned it. Circa 585 the devastated area was finally captured by the Slavs.
I visited this place when I was in Bitola, it was too bad that I couldn't take pictures
like I did in Pompeii but getting a postcard from a place I've been is just awesome!
Thank you Martina for this card!
Sent: 30 January 2014
Received: 11 February 2014
Travelled: 12 days
