Imathia

         In the western section of Central Macedonia lies Imathia (Ema-thia), blessed with a fertile valley through which the Aliakmonas, the country's longest river, flows, and with the generous section of the verdant Pieria and Vermion massifs.
The region has been inhabited since the prehistoric period, a fact evidenced by the findings in Nea Nicomedia (Niko-midia), where one of the oldest Neolithic agricultural settlements in Europe was found (probably established as far back as 7000 BC) .

          Imathia has played a role in each and every stage of Hellenic history. The modern-day prefecture is in the region where the Macedonians first settled and made Aegae the first capital of their kingdom. Aegae is identified with today's Vergina and it is here that the royal Macedonian tombs were discovered, unlaundered, together with the palace, the theatre and other significant structures.
         In the broader region of Naoussa, important Macedonian tombs have brought to light Hellenic inscriptions, invaluable architectural finds and paintings. In the same region stands the school of Aristotle. A part of the great philosopher's life is linked to this school, in which Alexander the Great was a student .
       The final centuries before the birth of Christ saw a mighty Hellenic civilization flourish in Imathia, later giving way to Roman rule, during which time Veria became the seat of the "Koinon (Confederacy) of the Macedonians". It is also here that the Teacher of nations, Paul the Apostle preached the new Christian faith fifty-four years after the birth of Christ.
         In the years of the Byzantine Empire Veria and the surrounding region prospered greatly, and during the Turkish Occupation that succeeded the Byzantium, Veria and Naoussa became key commercial and handicrafts centers. In actual fact, Naoussa grew into a large industrial center, specializing in textiles, wine-making, ceramics and many more.
         The Imathia that visitors encounter today is a region of prolific agricultural and industrial development, with its interesting towns and villages, unique archaeological finds in a number of areas and ski slopes and courses for a variety of winter sports at Seli and 3-5 Pigadia. Moreover, there are facilities and trails for mountain climbing and sports such as horse riding.

         Imathia also boasts a number of significant religious sites worth visiting. So, no matter what the purpose of your trip is, Imathia will delight you and leave you with wonderful memories.
The region has been inhabited since the prehistoric period, a fact evidenced by the findings in Nea Nicomedia (Niko-midia), where one of the oldest Neolithic agricultural settlements in Europe was found (probably established as far back as 7000 BC) .
        Imathia has played a role in each and every stage of Hellenic history. The modern-day prefecture is in the region where the Macedonians first settled and made Aegae the first capital of their kingdom. Aegae is identified with today's Vergina and it is here that the royal Macedonian tombs were discovered, unlaundered, together with the palace, the theatre and other significant structures .
      
            Forty kilometres into the prefecture of Imathia via the national road linking Athens and Thessaloniki, lays Vergina, an average-sized village which in recent years became known world-wide for the significant find brought to light in the excavations by professor Manolis Andronikos.
East of the modern-day village, on the rises between Vergina and Palatitsia, an ancient city believed to be that of Aegae was discovered. Aegae was The first capital of the Macedonian kingdom, a land of prosperity and power, some 2500 years ago .
         The buildings found include the acropolis, the magnificent palace with its beautiful mosaic floors, the sanctuary of the goddess eucleia, who was worshipped here, and the ancient theatre where King Philip II was assassinated in 336 BC.
        It is here, in the very same place, that the king's son, Alexander the Great, was then directly proclaimed king and proceeded to plan his great expedition to Asia two years later.
However, the truly impressive findings in Vergina are the large, double-chambered tomb of Philip II with a facade resembling that of a Doric temple, a marble door, triglyphs and metopes, and a splendid painting of a hunting scene on the facade. Found inside the tomb were the pure gold larnax with the ashes of the deceased, a golden wreath, weapons, the gold and ivory shield, the iron cuirass and other objects. One of the wives of Philip II also appears to have been buried in the antechamber. She too was laid to rest in a pure gold larnax, with a golden diadem, most likely one of the most beautiful pieces of jewellery in the ancient world, a golden wreath of myrtle leaves and other fine objects.