The Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, signed on Wednesday, August 7, with the Mayor of the Heroic City of Naoussa, Nikos Koutzoiannis, a program agreement for the research and promotion of the Ancient Gymnasium of Miessa, where Aristotle taught Alexander the Great.
The purpose of the three-year contract is the planning and implementation of activities that ensure the protection and promotion of the archaeological site of Mieza, in particular research works and activities for the preservation and restoration of the ancient gymnasium of Mieza. the wider archaeological site promotion context.
The project is financed by the Ministry of Interior and the Municipality of the Heroic City of Naoussa and includes excavations, archaeological-excavation research of the ancient gymnasium, opening of the mosaics found in the rooms of the eastern wing of the great peristyle, cleaning and systematic documentation of their condition, preparation for the study of mosaics, local finds and architectural topographical, design and photographic documents of members, cleaning, preservation, registration of characteristic pottery, as well as other movable finds, geophysical research in the area of the gymnasium-theater and in the land belonging to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, west of the theater and the gymnasium, where residential remains of the ancient city were found, are studies make up for recovery. restoration of the western part of the scrapyard and a more general emphasis on the ancient remains of the gymnasium.
“I am here because I believe in the decisive role that this project can have, which begins, officially, with the signing of the program contract between the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of the heroic city of Naoussa. Culture, apart from its social role, is an important tool of development for all regions of our country, which form an archaeological palimpsest.“Being Imathias”separate exampleMs. Mendoni said in her announcements.
“Hey!we have an obligation“, he added, “to protect, highlight, preserve, present hundreds of thousands of standing monuments that we have in our homeland. The Miessa gymnasium, with a total area of approximately 30 acres, a large peristyle-palaestra, an impressive Doric colonnade, a stage-long “scraper” (about 200 m), men’s rooms and mosaics. It is the largest and most luxurious educational institution of classical times. The site of Mieza Gymnasium is the first university in the world since it was established by Macedonians. The gymnasium of ancient Miesia was where Aristotle taught Alexander the Great and the young Macedonians who changed the ancient world through their actions, creating the Hellenistic ecumene.
“The ancient theater, which was directly related to the Gymnasium, has already been restored and has become famous for receiving visitors and hosting theatrical performances. Mieza, which was included in the archaeological map and by previous efforts, but mainly by the restoration of the theater, has already become famous. However, with the opening of the gymnasium, it will acquire a completely different image for archaeological objects, and of course its direct proximity to the archaeological site of Aige, the museum and the palace contributes. So, in fact, two very strong archeological poles are created in the territory of Imatia“.
The minister also noted that “In recent years, a very big project has been implemented here in excellent cooperation with the governor of Central Macedonia region, Apostolos Tsitsikostas. Many important programs and interventions have been funded. Greece has a huge cultural reserve and a huge cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. Imatia, and especially Naousa, has a huge area, so with everyone’s synergy and cooperation, we can develop them for the benefit not only of the local economy and society of Macedonia, but also of our entire country.“.
Ancient Mieza is located east of the city of Naoussa, at the foot of Vermius. The monumental complex of the Gymnasium, the foundation of which dates back to the years of Philip II (359-336 BC), extends on the plain, outside the city walls, and is in direct connection with the Theater.
From the gymnasium complex, most of the palaestra and the scrap section were excavated in the 1980s and 1990s, while its outline was determined by test sections and surveys. Research is being carried out by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Imathia, under the direction of Ephorate Emeritus Dr. Angelica Kotarides, according to an approved five-year research plan.
After the signing of the Program Agreement, Lina Mendoni, accompanied by Mayor Nikos Koutsoyannis, attended the performance of Todoris Gonis’ “Medean in Mieza” in the crowded Old Theater of Mieza and congratulated the actors. The presentation was prefaced by Dr. Angeliki Kotaridis.