About the Paeonians

So very little is known about the Paeonians, who occupied the lands north of ancient Macedonia. 

The borders of Paeonia were not clearly defined. As an Illyrian tribe, they settled along the upper valley of the Vadar River, the Axios, as it entered Macedonia. The country was roughly squeezed between the Dardanians and the Macedonians (see: The King is dead, long live the King!), matching more or less the state of modern Northern Macedonia. The Paeonians comprised Illyrian tribes such as the Agrianes and the lesser-known Derrones, Doberes, Laiaians, Siriopaeones, and Paeoplai. 

In 358 BC, one year into his kingship, Philip defeated the Paeonians and secured his northern border. By doing so, he created a sort of buffer zone between Macedonia and the tribes of the Danube further north. Paeonia controlled the trade route up the Axios River that emptied into the Gulf of Thessaloniki at Pella, the capital of Macedonia. 

It was probably at this time that Parmenion, one of the Paeonian chieftains, was promoted to the rank of general at Philip's side. We often forget this interesting background for a man who served both Philip and Alexander for so many years. 

Alexander levied one ilai of about 150 Paeonian cavalry when he started his eastern campaign. A reinforcement of 500 Paeonians joined him in Egypt in 332 BC, and another 600 cavalry in Susa in 331 BC. 

If we consult Arrian, we learn that Alexander often used the Paeonians as part of the "sacrificial pawn." This was an elite unit that he placed in front of his right flank to keep the Persians busy and to create enough confusion whereby he would find a wedge in the enemy's line.

The first such attack is described at the Granicus when advanced Scouts, the Paeonians, one infantry company, and a leading cavalry squadron were sent forward. At the same time, Alexander moved in an oblique line to pull the Persians on the opposite riverbank further to his right to create a gap in their lines. A similar move was made at Issus when he threw forward his advanced Scouts together with the Paeonians and the archers to force an opening in the Persian line. 

At the Battle of Gaugamela, the situation was different. As Alexander led his cavalry ever further to the right, Darius sent the Scythian chariots forward to cut off Alexander's progress. At this point, the Paeonian contingent and the mercenaries were sent to neutralize their progress, in which they were successful. 

After that, the Paeonians are no longer mentioned, and it is generally admitted that they settled in one of Alexander's newly built cities. 

What brought me to talk about the Paeonians is the recent excavations at the city of Stobi, which was founded in the 6^th century BC. It stood out as a trade center and a military and religious center. It was also the seat of the Paeonian Kings and the capital of the later Roman province Salutaris. 

Today, the city can be found close to the village of Gradsko, situated about 80 kilometers from Skopje in North Macedonia. The archaeological site covers some 27 hectares, spread over three terraces. Besides the ever-present theater, a significant number of buildings have been exposed. 

The major reference point at Stobi is, as always, the theater that dates from the 2^nd-3^rd century AD and could seat as many as 17,000 spectators. 

So far, several roads have been mapped out and named. The Via Axia, for instance, is one of the main streets running east-west and would match the Roman Decumanus. The Via Theodosia was parallel to the Via Axia, unearthed between the House of Peristerius and the Palace of Theodosius. Another important road is known as Via Principalis Inferior, running from the main city fountain, past edifices like the Central Basilica, the House of Partenis, the Palace of Theodosius, and the House of Psalms. The fountain was on a small square where the Via Axia and the Via Principalis Inferior met.

The Northern Basilica, Civil Basilica, Central Basilica, and Episcopal Basilica from the 5^th century AD clearly stand out because of their striking mosaics and tall columns. The private houses are interesting for their layout, rich mosaic floors, and imposing colonnades. The Palace of Theodosius is where Emperor Theodosius lived in 388 AD. It is of interest because of its remarkable floors in the opus sectile. In the pool area, a splendid bronze satyr was discovered, together with bronze sculptures of Apollo, Aphrodite, and Lar, and a marble head of Serapis. Some of these precious artifacts date from the 2nd century BC, indicating Stobi's Hellenistic connections or roots. These pieces can be admired at the National Museum of Belgrade.

[Picture from Discovering Macedonia]

So far, the information about the excavations and the history of Stobi could not be more sketchy. Even the available maps provide only basic outlines. It will be interesting to see how the research and the mapping will progress in the years to come.

There is no reference to Alexander or his father, but it is common that the Romans erased the traces of the previous occupations. Like their Balkan neighbors, the Paeonians have no written history, and all information comes from their conquerors and/or enemies, which is not always reliable.

[The maps are provided by the St Louis Community Center]