Traianoupoli

Traianoupoli is an ancient city located in the region of Thrace, in modern-day northeastern Greece. Situated along the southern bank of the River Hebrus (modern-day Maritsa), it was founded in the 4th century BCE by the Thracian Odrysian king Seuthes III as a planned city named *Seuthopolis*. The city later became known as Traianoupoli after being renamed in honor of the Roman Emperor Trajan (r. 98–117 CE) during the Roman period.

The site is notable for its well-preserved archaeological remains, including the ruins of a large theater, baths, a gymnasium, and a series of monumental gates. The theater, built into a hillside, could accommodate around 3,000 spectators and was likely used for public performances and political gatherings. The city’s layout followed a grid pattern, typical of Hellenistic urban planning, with wide streets and public buildings arranged symmetrically.

Traianoupoli flourished as a key administrative and cultural center under Roman rule, serving as a regional hub for trade and governance. Its strategic location along the Hebrus made it an important transit point for goods and military movements. The city declined after the 4th century CE, likely due to shifts in trade routes and political changes, though it remained inhabited into the early Byzantine period.

Excavations at the site began in the late 19th century, with further research conducted in the 20th and 21st centuries. Today, Traianoupoli is recognized as an important archaeological site, offering insights into Thracian, Hellenistic, and Roman urban development in the region. The ruins are protected as a cultural heritage site and attract visitors interested in ancient history and archaeology. The site is located near the modern village of Ormenio, in the Evros regional unit of Greece.