Diodoj

Diodoj is an ancient fortress site located in modern-day North Macedonia. The site is situated in the hills of the region of Araia, near the village of Bayram Jalovci, approximately 6 kilometers southwest of the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis.

The site was first discovered in the early 20th century, but significant excavations did not take place until the 1950s and 1960s. Archaeologists have found that Diodoj was an important fortified settlement during the Roman period, particularly in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The fortress was strategically located to control the surrounding region and potentially offer a stronghold against potential threats.

Excavations at Diodoj have uncovered a complex of fortifications, including a wall and a number of towers. The materials used in construction were a mix of stone and brick, with the stones being primarily limestone and the bricks being kiln-fired. The complex was likely constructed during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, as several of the bricks found at the site bear the stamps of Vespasian and his brother Titus.

The site also contained several buildings, including a basilica, which was a type of building commonly found in Roman cities and forts. The basilica at Diodoj appears to have served as a central meeting place for the inhabitants of the fortress and potentially as an administrative center.

The significance of Diodoj lies in its contribution to our understanding of the urban development and defensive systems of ancient Greece and Rome, particularly in the region of North Macedonia. Further research may be necessary to fully appreciate the historical context of this important site.