In the quiet, rolling hills of Thesprotia, just a few kilometers north of Igoumenitsa, lies an archaeological site that until recently remained in obscurity. The Ancient Gitana, with roots tracing back to the 4th century BCE, is far more than a forgotten settlement. It stands as a political and cultural landmark of the Thesprotians, deeply woven into the fabric of the Hellenistic world and intricately linked to Macedon and Alexander the Great.
A Fortified City with Civic Life and Political Structure
Founded in the mid-4th century BCE, Gitana rose to prominence as the seat of the Koinon of the Thesprotians, a political confederation formed for regional defense and administration. The city was strategically designed, harmonizing with the natural landscape and protected by robust 2.5-kilometer-long walls complete with towers and bastions.
Inside the walls, Gitana featured an impressive array of public buildings, temples, a marketplace, and a standout Prytaneion—the seat of civic leadership. Beyond the city limits, a well-preserved ancient theater with a capacity of approximately 5,000 spectators adds to the city’s architectural significance.
The Sun of Vergina at the Prytaneion: A Symbol of Political Alliances
One of the most striking finds at the site is the mosaic of the Sun of Vergina, adorning the floor of the Prytaneion. This star-shaped emblem, associated with the royal house of the Temenids and Alexander the Great, underscores the close political and cultural ties between the Thesprotians and Macedon.
These ties were strengthened by the marriage of Philip II of Macedon to Olympias, a princess of the Molossians, and later solidified when the Thesprotians became part of the Epirote League.
Archaeological Discoveries Reveal a Vibrant Society
Beyond the symbolic mosaic, ongoing excavations have unearthed a wealth of inscriptions, coins, tools of daily life, and other artifacts that provide a window into a well-organized society. These finds highlight the institutional structure, civic engagement, and active public life of the Thesprotians. They also connect the region to wider developments in mainland Greece, illustrating Epirus’s key role in the political currents of the Hellenistic era.
The Rise of a Regional Identity in Epirus
This period marked a turning point in the formation of a shared political identity across Epirus. Under the leadership of Pyrrhus I, the most renowned ruler of the Epirote state, the region experienced a golden age—with military campaigns in the West and growing recognition throughout the Greek world.
Gitana adapted to this new era, becoming part of a broader state apparatus, minting its own coins, constructing administrative buildings and theaters, and adopting written language as a tool of governance and public discourse.
A Cultural Treasure Still in the Shadows
Despite substantial restoration and conservation efforts funded by European programs, Ancient Gitana remains largely unknown, even among the people of Epirus. Yet the progress made in the past fifteen years is significant, and further enhancement is planned under the new NSRF (National Strategic Reference Framework) funding period.
Now integrated into Epirus's cultural route, Gitana is poised to reclaim its place in both modern consciousness and future heritage. With the right support and visibility, it can once again speak to the generations to come—telling its centuries-old story of political ambition, cultural expression, and regional pride.
