HERACLEA LYNCESTIS

BITOLA, NORTH MACEDONIA

Heraclea Lyncestis was founded in the 4th century BC by Philip of Macedon. The city's economic and culture had been flowering for a millenium until the 6th century when a devastating earthquake struck Bitola and the city was abandoned. The main Roman road, Via Egnatia went through Heraclea, for it Heraclea was an important stop. The city was named after the mythological Greek hero Heracles. The name Lynkestis originates from the name of the ancient kingdom, conquered by Philip, where the city was built.