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After decades of mystery, scientists use advanced aerial scanning technology to reveal ancient urban structures in European territory with a possible direct link to the lineage of one of the greatest conquerors of Antiquity.
A city forgotten for centuries may finally have been identified by archaeologists in North Macedonia — and most intriguingly, it may be directly linked to Alexander the Great's paternal grandmother.
Using the same laser technology used in excavations in the Amazon rainforest, scientists have managed to map the remains of an ancient city called Lyncus, which would have been the capital of the extinct kingdom of Lyncestis.
The discovery, if confirmed by further analysis, could reveal not only the location of an important urban center in antiquity, but also shed light on the origins of the lineage of one of the greatest conquerors of the ancient world.
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The research was conducted by a team from California Polytechnic State University in Humboldt (USA), in partnership with the Bitola Museum in North Macedonia.
Cutting-edge technology and ancient history
The big breakthrough came through the use of LiDAR — acronym for Light Detection and Ranging —, a system that uses laser beams launched by drones or airplanes to map minimal variations in ground relief.
This same method has been widely used by Brazilian researchers to reveal cities and roads hidden beneath the dense vegetation of the Amazon.
In the European case, archaeologists applied LiDAR in 2023 to examine a site already known since 1966, which for decades was wrongly interpreted as a simple military post of the post-Alexander period.
However, the images generated by the lasers revealed the presence of a much more complex structure: a real city, with an acropolis, streets, workshops and remains of public buildings.
Connection with the Macedonian royal family
If the evidence is confirmed, this city would be the birthplace of Eurydice I, mother of Philip II and grandmother of Alexander the Great.
The monarch played an important role in the political formation of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia, and her origins in Lyncus are cited by ancient chroniclers.
The existence of Lyncus was recorded by ancient historians, but its location remained a mystery for centuries.
The city was part of the kingdom of Lyncestis, which was later incorporated into Macedonia under the rule of Philip II.
This makes the discovery especially important for understanding the political and cultural structure of the region in the centuries leading up to Alexander's rise.
Findings that surprised scientists
During recent excavations, the team found artifacts dating from different periods, including:
- Pottery fragments
- Bronze axes
- Coins minted between 325 BC and 355 BC, the period corresponding to Alexander's lifetime
- A textile workshop
- A theater ticket made of clay
- A lamp reconstructed from shards found at the site
The diversity and sophistication of the objects suggest that the city was economically active and culturally developed., far beyond what was expected for a simple military post.
Bronze Age Evidence
In addition to artifacts from the classical period, archaeologists have identified evidence of much older human occupation, dating back to the Bronze Age — between 3300 BC and 1200 BC
This indicates that the site may have been inhabited continuously for millennia, which further increases its historical relevance.
The discovery reinforces the hypothesis that Lyncus not only existed as a structured city, but played a central role in the cultural formation of Ancient Macedonia.
City revealed after more than 2 thousand years of silence
Although the archaeological site has been known for almost six decades, It was only in recent years, with technological advances, that scientists were able to see beyond the obvious.
The previous interpretation was limited to military ruins dating from after the time of Alexander.
LiDAR allowed a deeper and more detailed reading of the terrain, revealing traces of a much more complex urbanization.
The acropolis found is around seven hectares, indicating a noble area destined for temples or residences of important figures of the time.
Furthermore, the traces of roads and buildings suggest urban planning — something common in city-states of Ancient Greece and its Balkan neighbors.
Publication pending, but exploration continues
Until now, the findings have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which is essential for official validation by the academic community.
However, the scientists involved in the project have already released part of the results through institutional communications and intend to deepen the excavations in the coming months.
The expectation is that new phases of the project will bring more evidence about the city's past and its possible connection with the Macedonian dynasty.
Implications for ancient history
For scholars of Antiquity, The rediscovery of Lyncus may fill gaps about the origins of the Macedonian nobility and the family ties of Alexander the Great.
Queen Eurydice I, who was said to have been born there, is often mentioned as one of the most influential female figures at the Macedonian court, although her story is poorly documented.
If confirmed, the find also reinforces the importance of technology in modern archaeology., showing how tools like LiDAR can rescue fundamental pieces of human history, even after millennia.
A new era for Balkan archaeology?
With the advancement of research, North Macedonia could become a new hub of interest for archaeologists and tourists interested in ancient history, especially in the trajectory of Alexander the Great.
The rediscovery of Lyncus could pave the way for new projects and revelations about one of the most fascinating periods of Western civilization.
