PREFECTURE OF IMATHIA

Imathia, which means "Sandy beach", was the turning point in the spreading of Macedonians looking for new land. On the foot of Pieria, they founded (8^th cent.) their first capital, leges. This area with the forests the meadows, the rivers and the fertile plain was inhabited long before the coming of Macedonians. One of the most ancient agricultural settlements of Greece and Europe was traced in New Nikomedia, near Veria, whereas in Vergina there used to exist a settlement of the Neolithic Era and the Age of Copper.
During the classical Period Imatheca had three towns: Aeges, Mieza and Veria. The latter is quickly developed in the Hellenistic times.
In 168 B.C., Veria surrenders itself to the Romans who make it a capital of one of the "Republics". Some years later Veria becomes the seat of the "Macedonian Public", as well as, the centre of the imperial worship. As it has already been mentioned, Diokletianus makes it one two capital of Macedonia. In 48 - 49 B.C. St Paul preached the new religion. During the Byzantine times, Veria would be attacked by Bulgarians and Franks.

Vergina: It is a village, 12 km to the SE of Veria. It is world - famous due to the findings of the excavations directed by professor Manolis Andronicos. In the east of the modern village there is an ancient town identified with Aeges, the first capital of the Macedonian Kingdom. Aeges is built on the foot of Pieria. It can control the whole Imathian plain. According to tradition, the mythical king Karanos led Macedonians to this place, following a goat (aega). This aega give its name to the settlement. It is the symbol on the coins of the town. The excavations in the graveyard of Aeges certify the existence of a rich settlement with numerous populations, dating back to the Early Era of Iron (1100 B.C.).

Veria: It is the capital of the prefecture with population of 43.683. it is situated at the foot of Vermio Mountain. Some findings dating back to the Early Age of Iron show that the area has been populated since 1000 B.C. Veria took its name after the daughter of king Veri. In the years of Philip and Alexander, it was the second town of Imatheias. In the years of Antigonides reign (3rd cent. B.C.) it flourishes. It is surrounded by a powerful wall with towers and gates that are open to the main roads. The aristocrats of Veria were relatives to the kings.

Naousa: The population is 20176. It is 19km to the NW of Veria. Built in the east of Vermio, it is flowed through by Arapitsa River. The ancient town of Mieza was near Naousa. It was the town where Alexander the Great spent three years with his teacher, Aristotle. The archaeological findings in Veria date back to the Roman times.