The site is located on a high hill at the northern entrance of Negotino, with strategic position overlooking the valley of river Vardar and the wider area of Negotino ravene. On the flattened plateau remains of a defensive wall can be seen. They surround an area of about 3.5 hectares, yet numerous fragments of ceramics and other finds from various chronological periods are found not only on the plateau but in the nearest surrounding area as well, that give us different impression of the size of this ancient town. From the sporadic excavation campaigns in the 90's, and later in 2005-2007, we have knowledge of existence of several stratigraphic layers belonging to different chronological periods - from Classical to the Late Antique Period. According to the information from the earliest excavations on the site, test trenches at certain positions on the plateau have revealed remains even of earlier - prehistoric habitations. 

It is very interesting that beside its size, strategic position in this region and chronology, the name of this ancient town remains unknown. Among the theories regarding its identification most popular is the one that relates this site to ancient Antigoneia - a town named by Macedonian king Antigon Gonatas, in the third century BC. Antigoneia on Axios is mentioned on the famous map Tabula Peuntingeriana, one of the most important ancient sources for the geography of the Balkans. On this map Antigoneia is located 12 Roman miles downstream from Stobi and 11 miles upstream from Stenai, and these distances correspond best to the position of Gradiste near Negotino. Yet, there are different opinions about the location of Antigoneia. F. Papazoglou thought that the town could be located on Budur Ciflik or on the opposite hill Tremnik (Gradishte Czair). G. I. Kazarov and N. Vulic also thought that the town could be located on this hill. According to another theory Antigoneia was on the position of modern town Negotino but archaeological chance finds from Negotino belong mainly to the Roman times. This identification was rejected by prof. I. Mikulcic who surveyed the whole area in the 1980’s and has made the most cogently argued contribution to the problem so far. Mikulcic suggested that the town lay on the hill Gradishte. His strongest argument is the distance of Gradshte from Stobi and from Stenai (present Demir Kapija). They both correspond to the distances given in Tabula Peuntingeriana. The position of the hill on the left bank of river Vardar is additional fact that in support of this theory.

The “quest” for ancient Antigoneia is a never ending challenge. Since 2006, the excavations of the local museum in Negotino brought to light large part of the late roman fortification. On the lower terrace few trenches discovered part of ancient necropolis while on the upper plateau remains of buildings and streets attracted the attention of scientist and public. These finds were the reason for the start of an international long term excavation project at Gradishte, in 2009. Coordinated by the National Museum of Macedonia in Skopje and the local museum of Negotino "Institute for classical and oriental studies from Valencia" (IVECO) in Spain, Gdansk University from Poland the project aim is to determine the character of the settlement (civil, military, etc), its urban plan and chronology, and finally to possibly identify this doubtfully important ancient town. These excavations will also contribute to the promotion not only of the site but of the local region of Negotino Municipality, and the archaeology of the Republic of Macedonia as well.

 

Participants will be accommodated in the monastery St. George in Negotino, in renovated rooms with two beds and bathroom with wireless Internet connection. Bed linen will be provided. Two meals (Breakfast and lunch) per day are covered with the admission fee. Some of the meals represent the traditional Macedonian cuisine. Requests for vegetarian food are accepted.

Gradishte is located near the town of Negotino (cca. 100 km south from Skopje). During the excavations, transfer from the place of accommodation to the site and back is organized for all participants.

Workshops and field trainings:  Preliminary research of the site  Prospection of the site and surrounding area  Site recording  Use of tools and equipment (working methods)  Methodology of excavation  Field journal  Photo documentation  Pottery washing  Introduction to archaeological documentation and pottery drawing

Weekend activities/ Excursions: Participants will have two guided excursions • First Saturday: Guided tour through the museums and cultural monuments in Gevgelija (Museum of Gevgelija and archaeological site Vardarski Rid) and archeological site Isar-Marvinci near Valandovo. • Second Saturday: Guided tour to Ohrid and Ohrid Lake and its cultural monuments (Ohrid and Ohrid Lake are listed World Heritage Site by UNESCO)

Travel guide: Airports – The nearest airport is Alexander the Great – Skopje (20 km from the center of the city), then Sofia Airport in Bulgaria (220 km from Skopje) and Thessaloniki Airport in Greece (250 km from Skopje). Other near airport is Pristina Airport in Kosovo (90 km from Skopje). The most distant airport is Belgrade Airport in Serbia (450 km from Skopje). If participants arrive by plane on these airports, a transfer to Skopje may be arranged on request [Please, specify this in your application form!]. The price of individual or group transfer may vary depending on both distance and number of passengers, and it ranges from 10 to 30€. Transport with taxi from Skopje Airport to the center of Skopje is approximately 10€, transport with bus from Sofia to Skopje is 15€ and transport with bus from Thessaloniki to Skopje is 20 €. If you want car transport from one of these airports we can arrange it for you. The price for car transportation depends from the airport. Bus and Train Station: The Bus and Train Station are in the center of Skopje. There are daily and weekly bus arrivals from almost all major cities in Europe. For train arrivals you can see the attached time table from Macedonian Railway Company. Negotino is connected with Skopje by bus and by train. We can arrange transportation for participants by request. The tickets for bus or train from Skopje to Negotino are cheap, 5€ in one way. There are two trains every day from Skopje to Negotino and the buses are more frequently on every hour and a half.

Important notice: Participants who are coming in groups more than 3 people and participants who will pay till 31st March will get 5% discount. Language: English or other for groups more than 3 people Special requirements: The project is not recommended for individuals with allergies or other specific illnesses that could worsten during the intensive outdoor activities and sun exposure. The average summer temperature in the area is 30-35°C or higher. All participants should bring clothes and cosmetics suitable for hot and sunny weather. Participants will use the tools and equipment available at the site and are not expected to bring any additional equipment.

Mr. Radomir Ivanovic Mr. Bojan Trpcevski archaeologica@gmail.com

National Museum of Macedonia