Archaeologists have uncovered remains of older buildings, drainage channels, and evidence of a possible decorative floor at the Theodosian Palace in the ancient city of Stobi (Greek: Στόβοι), in present-day North Macedonia. The discoveries offer new clues about the site’s history before the Roman-era palace was built.
The findings emerged during excavations conducted by the National Institution Stobi (NI Stobi) between September 3 and October 30, 2026. The palace is one of the most important residential buildings from Late Antiquity at the site.
The discovery adds to recent archaeological findings in North Macedonia, where researchers have also uncovered an ancient Greek mansion dating to the Hellenistic period. Researchers focused on five rooms, including areas explored during earlier archaeological excavations. By examining these spaces again, the team gained new information about the palace’s construction and how the site changed over time.
Older structures discovered at Theodosian Palace
One of the discoveries was a preserved foundation that may have supported a mosaic or cocciopesto floor. Cocciopesto is a type of flooring made from mortar mixed with crushed pottery. Similar discoveries have emerged elsewhere in the region. Archaeologists recently uncovered six fourth-century Roman mosaic floors in Albania, providing new evidence of how ancient buildings were decorated.
Archaeologists have uncovered new secrets at the 1,600-year-old Theodosian Palace in North Macedonia. Excavations revealed traces of older buildings, ancient drainage channels and decorative flooring, shedding new light on the Roman-era palace's past. pic.twitter.com/bvyQyS9lN3
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) October 30, 2026
In two other rooms, archaeologists identified remains of older buildings and drainage channels. These structures belong to earlier phases of construction, before the Theodosian Palace was built. The findings suggest that the site underwent several changes before the large residential complex took shape. Researchers also gained a clearer picture of the palace’s southwestern entrance. The new evidence will help them better understand the building’s layout and architectural development.
Palace linked to Roman Emperor Theodosius I
The Theodosian Palace stands in the center of ancient Stobi, between two major Roman streets. Built in the fourth century A.D., the residence was decorated with elaborate mosaics and colored marble. Its northern section features rooms arranged around an open courtyard surrounded by columns. Several rooms and passages contain mosaic floors, while a pool bordered by pink marble stands at the eastern end of the courtyard.
Such elaborate decoration was common in wealthy Roman residences. Archaeologists have found similar features in an ancient Roman villa in Turkey, where mosaics and drainage systems survived.
The palace takes its name from Roman Emperor Theodosius I, who visited Stobi in A.D. 388. Earlier archaeologists suggested that the emperor may have stayed in the building during his visit, although this connection has not been confirmed. Theodosius ruled the Roman Empire from A.D. 379 to 395. His reign marked an important period in the empire’s religious and political history. He is also closely associated with changes to ancient Greek religious traditions, including the Olympic Games.
Excavations support efforts to preserve the palace
The latest archaeological work forms part of a larger project to protect the palace and preserve its surviving structures. Earlier conservation efforts focused on repairing damaged walls and protecting the building’s original features. Specialists have used traditional materials and techniques to preserve the ancient remains without unnecessary reconstruction.
The latest findings will help guide further conservation work by providing more detailed records of the palace’s construction history. NI Stobi carried out the excavations in cooperation with the Balkan Heritage Foundation, with financial support from the J. M. Kaplan Fund and Ancient Rome Live.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
