Pydna (Ancient Site)

The decisive battle between Macedonians and Romans took place near the town of Pydna in the year 168 BC. In addition to Dion, Leivithra, Makrygialos and Louloudies, Pydna is a major archaeological site in Pieria, Macedonia.

Pydna is located directly at the Aegean Sea, 16 km northeast of Katerini, 28 km north-east of Dion and 2.5 km from the village Makrygialos. Nearby are two Macedonian tombs, discovered by the French archaeologist Heuzey during his Greek travels in the mid-19th century. Furthermore, the fortress-like bishop's seat Louloudies is located a few kilometers south of Pydna.

Pydna was first mentioned by the Greek historian Thucydides and gained importance during the Peloponnesian War. The Athenians besieged Pydna in 432 BC. King Archelaus I of Macedonia besieged the city by 410 BC, From the land side, while the Athenian fleet took over the siege from the sea. After the city was taken, Archelaus left the city 20 stadia far into the inland, to the present place of Kitros. After Archelaus's death, the inhabitants of Pydna moved back to their old seaside town. Pydna was conquered by the Athenians, but fell 357 or 356 BC, To King Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. Philips wife, the mother of Alexander, Olympias, was killed after a siege by Kassander 317 BC. On 22 June 168 BC, The battle between the Roman commander Aemilius Paullus and the last Macedonian king Perseus took place near Pydna. On this day the Macedonian rule ended, and in the course of the Roman victory, Macedonia became a Roman colony.

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