The findings from the excavation around the Royal Gymnasium of ancient Mieza provide new evidence supporting one of Macedonia’s most important historical associations: the scientific theory that this was the place where Alexander the Great and the royal youths of Macedonia were educated under the guidance of Aristotle.

The new archaeological findings were presented last Saturday during an evening event titled “From Mieza to the World: Excavating the Royal Gymnasium, Discovering the Macedonians’ Contribution to Greek Education.”

The presentation focused on the findings from the two-year excavation project, which has been under way since 2024 across an area of approximately 30 stremmata. The work is gradually revealing the scale, architectural character and functions of an organised gymnasium complex dating to the time of Philip II of Macedon.

Following the removal of large quantities of fill and debris, excavations have brought to light important sections of the complex, including walls, colonnades, the palaestra, the stadium, teaching areas and networks of water pipes. Together, these findings are providing an increasingly clear picture of how the site functioned. Archaeologists have also identified high-quality architectural elements, including Ionic capitals and columns, as well as amphorae linked to the storage of oil used for the needs of the palaestra.

One of the most important findings is the discovery of the xystos, a covered portico approximately 200 metres long, directly connected with physical training and the education of young men. The scale of the structure, the quality of its construction and the coexistence of athletic and teaching spaces strengthen the picture of a complex that held a central place in the Macedonian educational tradition.

The movable finds from the excavation also provide important evidence about the daily lives of those who used the site. Broken ceramic vessels, coins, writing styluses and fragments of sculpture shed light on aspects of the educational and athletic activities that took place within the complex.

The gymnasium that brings Macedonian education back into focus

The findings were presented in detail by the head of the excavation and Honorary Ephor of Antiquities of Imathia, Dr Angeliki Kottaridi, in her keynote address titled “From Myth to Historical Reality: The Discovery of the Royal Gymnasium of Mieza. The Data, the Excavation, the New Findings and the Prospects for Research.”

Dr Kottaridi argued that the large building at Mieza can be identified as the Royal Gymnasium and noted that its morphological characteristics recall early Macedonian gymnasiums. Its dating to the period of Philip II, together with its size and architectural layout, are considered key elements in further substantiating its identity and function.

The monument’s historical trajectory is also of particular interest. According to the excavation data presented, as reported by the Athens News Agency, the complex appears to have been violently destroyed by the Romans after the definitive subjugation of Macedonia in the second century BC, most likely as part of a systematic effort to weaken symbols of Macedonian power and collective memory.

Plans were also presented for the future restoration and promotion of the site, with the aim of opening the Royal Gymnasium to the public and establishing it as a place of historical, educational and cultural significance.

Plans under way for an Aristotelian Archaeological Centre in Naoussa

Following the main presentation, Nikos Koutsogiannis, mayor of the Heroic City of Naoussa, spoke on the subject “Ancient Mieza and Modern Naoussa: A Fruitful Coexistence.” He described Mieza as a site of global significance and stressed that highlighting its archaeological wealth remains a constant priority for the municipality.

He also announced that efforts would continue to secure funding for both the archaeological excavations and the future protection and restoration of the monument. He also revealed plans to establish an Aristotelian Archaeological Centre in Naoussa, which will house finds and serve as a hub for the region’s history and cultural identity.

A special place among the findings is held by the discovery of the relief, a covered portico approximately 200 meters long, which was directly linked to physical exercise and the education of young people. The size of the structure, the quality of its construction, and the coexistence of athletic and instructional spaces reinforce the image of a complex that played a central role inthe Macedonian educational tradition.

Important insights into the daily lives of those who used the space also emerge from the movable finds of the excavation: broken ceramic vessels, coins, writing styluses, and fragments of sculptures shed light on aspects of the educational and athletic activities that took place at the complex.

The high school that revives Macedonian education

The findings were presented in detail by the head of the excavations and Honorary Ephor of Antiquities of Imathia, Dr. Angeliki Kottaridi, in her keynote address titled “From Myth to Historical Reality: The Discovery of the Royal Gymnasium of Mieza. The Data, the Excavation, the New Findings, and the Prospects for Research.” She argued that the large building at Mieza is identified as the Royal Gymnasium and noted that its morphological characteristics are reminiscent of early Macedonian gymnasiums. Its dating to the time of Philip II, its size, and its architectural layout are considered key elements for further substantiating its identity and function.

The monument’s historical trajectory is also of particular interest. According to the excavation data presented, as reported by the Athens News Agency, the complex appears to have been violently destroyed by the Romans following the definitive subjugation of Macedonia in the 2nd century B.C., most likely as part of a systematic effort to weaken symbols of Macedonian power and collective memory.

At the same time, plans were made for the future restoration and promotion of the site, so that the Royal Gymnasium could be opened to the public and established as a place of historical, educational, and cultural significance.

Plans are underway to establish an Aristotelian Archaeological Center in Naoussa

Following the main presentation, Nikos Koutsogiannis, mayor of the Heroic City of Naoussa, delivered his presentation on the topic “Ancient Mieza and Modern Naoussa: A Fruitful Coexistence,” describing Mieza as a site of global significance and emphasizing that showcasing its archaeological wealth remains a constant priority for the municipality.

He also announced the continuation of efforts to secure funding for both the archaeological excavations and the future protection and restoration of the monument, while revealing plans to establish an Aristotelian Archaeological Center in Naoussa, which will house artifacts and serve as a hub for the region’s history and cultural identity.

As Mr Koutsogiannis noted, Mieza is not only one of the most important archaeological sites in Macedonia, but also, in all likelihood, the place where an educational model was developed that profoundly influenced the Hellenistic world and the spread of Greek education.

The use of geophysical methods in the exploration of the archaeological sites of Aigai and Mieza between 1984 and 2026 was addressed by Grigoris Tsokas, Professor Emeritus at the Laboratory of Applied Geophysics at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In his speech, he presented the findings of four decades of research and highlighted the contribution of modern technologies to the detection, mapping and interpretation of archaeological remains.

Panagiotis Iosif, Scientific Director of the Museum of Cycladic Art and Professor of Ancient Numismatics at Radboud University, presented the paper “Training the World: Gymnasiums of the Hellenistic East.” His presentation examined how the institution of the gymnasium spread throughout the Hellenistic world and served as a vehicle for education, physical training and the transmission of Greek culture.

The evening event was co-organised by the Municipality of the Heroic City of Naoussa and the Friends of the Polycentric Museum of Aigai and the Network Association, with the participation of scholars and representatives of the archaeological and academic communities. It opened with a welcome address by Dr Georgia Stratouli, Deputy Director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Imathia.

Photo: Municipality of Naoussa