Imathia: A Fertile Region with a Rich History
From Aigai to Platy and from Vergina to Kleidi
Aigai
-Aigai was the first capital of the Macedonian kingdom. It was probably founded in the 7th century BC and is closely linked to the royal house of the Temenids.
-The famous Macedonian palaces and the royal cemetery, where the tomb attributed to Philip II was found, were erected at Aigai.
-The city maintained a sacred character even after the capital moved to Pella, serving as the burial and worship site for the Macedonian kings.
Vergina
-Modern Vergina is identified with ancient Aigai and became globally famous after the excavations by Manolis Andronikos in 1977.
-The Macedonian tombs were found there, the most important being the untouched tomb attributed to Philip II.
-The archaeological findings include golden wreaths, weapons, and works of art that reveal the wealth and power of the Macedonian dynasty.
-Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Platy Imathias
-Platy is a newer town in Imathia with a history dating back to the Byzantine period.
-It developed mainly after the liberation of Macedonia in 1912 and especially with the settlement of refugees from Asia Minor and Pontus after 1922.
-Its geographical location, near the Haliacmon River and the railway, contributed to its economic development.
-Today, it is an agricultural and commercial center, known for the production of cereals and cotton.
-Vergina, built at the foothills of Pieria, is not just a modern settlement but the living space of ancient Aigai. Here, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the Macedonian kingdom, walking among the ruins of the palace and admiring the royal tombs. The exhibits of the Polycentric Museum of Aigai, such as the golden larnax (casket), narrate the history of a dynasty that changed the course of the ancient world, giving humanity Alexander the Great.
-Platy Imathias, a modern town with intense economic and cultural activity, serves as the gateway to the Imathia plain. The area strongly bears the traces of the refugee origin of its inhabitants, who, through hard work and perseverance, transformed a large estate (tsifliki) into a vibrant place. Its important railway station connects the area with the whole of Greece, while its fertile land offers rich produce, contributing to the prosperity of the wider region.
-Kleidi, a small village in the fertile plain of Imathia, is a place with a rich history and special natural beauty. Known as the "village of the storks," it offers a unique spectacle to visitors, as storks return every year to nest on its poles. The ancient Roman bridge, the "Kamara," stands there as a silent witness to the past, while the Axios-Loudias-Haliacmon National Park embraces the area, offering an environment rich in biodiversity. Kleidi is a quiet and picturesque place, combining historical heritage with the natural charm of the plain.