Two Antigonid Fortifications in the Valley of the River Treska (original) (raw)

In ancient times, the valley of the river Treska (Velika Reka) was a strategically important communication route which connected the civilized regions of the south (Pelagonia, Dassaretia) with the central Balkan cultures; it was used extensively by hostile groups who aimed at attacking and plundering the ancient cities of Pelagonia and Dassaretis. Our field survey in 2020 produced specific finds at the fortifications near Gradište village, Podvis, in the vicinity of Kičevo, and Devini Kuli near Makedonski Brod, which helped us identify a Macedonian cultural horizon from the times of the last Macedonian kings. Gradište Podvis yielded a bronze coin of Perseus and a bronze coin of the city of Oricum. The finds indicate the presence of Macedonian military units in the valley of Treska, arguably aiming to control the road and defend it against attacks by Dardanian groups.