Pydna

Pydna is a village in the Pieria regional unit of Central Macedonia, Greece. It lies on the coast of the Thermaic Gulf and is part of the broader historic region of ancient Macedon. The modern settlement shares its name with the ancient city of Pydna, which stood nearby in antiquity.

The area is best known for the Battle of Pydna, fought in 168 BCE between Rome and Macedon. The engagement ended Macedonian power in the region and helped establish Roman dominance over Greece. The battlefield’s location near the village has made Pydna a point of reference in discussions of the Macedonian Wars, and archaeological and epigraphic evidence has contributed to identifying the area associated with the battle, though exact coordinates continue to be debated.

In contemporary times, the Pydna region has an economy based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The coastal setting offers beaches and natural scenery that attract visitors, while nearby archaeological and historical sites connected to ancient Macedon provide cultural interest. The surrounding countryside supports farming activities and rural tourism, often complementing visits to the coastal zone and related historical landmarks.

Beyond its association with ancient history, Pydna forms part of the network of communities in Pieria that connect inland agricultural areas with the northern Aegean coast. The broader region is accessible by road from Thessaloniki and other urban centers in northern Greece. See also: Battle of Pydna; ancient Macedon.