The results of the excavation research around the Royal Gymnasium of ancient Miezas come to strengthen with new elements one of the most iconic historical connections of Macedonian land, the site where, according to the scientific approach presented, Alexander the Great and the royal children were trained under Aristotle's guidance.
The new archaeological data was presented last Saturday in the context of the evening entitled "From Mieza to the Land. Exploring the royal high school, discovering the contribution of Macedonians to Greek education“ It’s just that I’ve been thinking. ”
At the centre were the conclusions of the two-year excavation activity that evolved from 2024 to an area of about 30 acres and gradually reveals the real scale, architectural figure and functions of an organized high school complex of Philip II’s time.
Work brought to light important parts of the complex, following the removal of large quantities of coatings and lumps. Revealed walls, arcades, the palestra, the stage, Spaces Teaching and Networks pipelines water, composing an increasingly clear picture of the operation of the site. At the same time, architectural members of high quality, such as cionocrana and columns Ionic rhythm, but also amphores associated with oil storage for the needs of the palette.
A separate position between the findings is held by the revelation of the scratcher, roofed arcade about 200 meters long That is, directly linked to the physical exercise and training of young people. The extent of the building, the quality of construction and the coexistence of sports and teaching areas enhance the image of a complex with a central rolethe Macedonian educational tradition.
Important information about the daily life of those who used the site also arises from the mobile findings of the excavation: broken pottery, coins, writing graphs and sculpture sections illuminate aspects of educational and athletic activity developed in the complex.
The High School that Reconstitutes Macedonian Education
The results were presented in detail by the head of excavations and Honorary curator of Antiquities Imathias Dr. Angeliki Kottaridis, in her main speech entitled "From myth to historical reality: The discovery of Mieza's royal high school. The data, excavation, new findings and prospects of research." She argued that the large Mieza structure is identified with the Royal High School and noted that its morphological characteristics refer to early Macedonian high schools. His date in the years of Philip II, its extent and architecture are considered decisive elements for further documentation of his identity and function.
The historical route of the monument is of particular interest. According to the excavated data presented, as reported by the Athenian News Agency, band appears to have been violently destroyed by the Romans after the final submission of Macedonia, during the 2nd century BC, probably in the context of the systematic weakening of symbols of Macedonian power and collective memory.
At the same time, the prospect of the future restoration and promotion of the site was set so that the Royal Gymnasium could become visited and emerge as a place of historical, educational and cultural importance.
The creation of Aristotle Archaeological Center in Naoussa is planned
After the central presentation, the Mayor of Heroic City Naoussa Nikos Koutsoyannis developed his introduction, on the subject "Ancient Mieza and modern Naoussa: a fertile coexistence", describing Mieza as a place of global importance and stressing that the emergence of its archaeological wealth is a constant priority for the Municipality.
He also announced the continuation of efforts to secure funding for both excavation research and the future protection and restoration of the monument, while he announced the design of an Aristotle Archaeological Center in Naoussa, which will host findings and will function as a reference point for the history and cultural identity of the area.
As Mr. Koutsoyannis noted, Mieza is not only one of Macedonia's most important archaeological sites, but also the most important archaeological sites. possibly also the place where an educational model was formed which deeply influenced the Hellenistic world and the spread of Greek education.
In the exploration of the archaeological sites of Aegis and Mieza, through geophysical methods, in 1984-2026, the Emeritus Professor of the Laboratory of Applied Geophysics of AUTH Gregory Tsokas referred to his speech, presenting conclusions of four decades of research, highlighting the contribution of modern technologies to the identification, mapping and interpretation of archaeological remains. For his part, the scientific director of the Museum of Cycladic Art and Professor of Ancient Monetary Affairs at Radboud University Panayiotis Joseph, presented the suggestion "Training the Ecomenes: gymnasiums of the Hellenistic East", highlighting the way in which the institution of the high school spread into the Hellenistic world and operated as a body of education, physical education and transmission of Greek education.
The hesperida was co-organized by the Municipality of Heroic City of Naoussa and the Association of Friends of the Polycentric Museum of the Aegean and the Network, with the participation of scientists and representatives of the archaeological and academic community, while the Deputy Head of Antiquities Institute Dr Georgia Army made the opening with a greeting.
Photo source: Municipality of Naoussa