The archaeological site and museum of Heraklia Lynkestis near Bitola, North Macedonia

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Heraklia Lynkestis is the archaeological site of an ancient city of the same name near Bitola in North Macedonia. The city was founded by Philip II of Macedon in c. 385 BC as a citadel to monitor any possible invasions from Illyria and secure the western border of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia. Located on a hilltop looking over the fertile woodlands, Heraklia Lynkestis continued to thrive as a centre of trade and administration. In the Roman Imperial era, many monumental features were introduced to the city, including the forum, the temple of Zeus, the bathhouse, the magistrate house, and the Roman theatre. Heraclea Lyncestis was the centre of the episcopal seat in the Early Christian era, when two basilicas and a bishop's residence were added, all decorated with spectacular tileworks. Today, the site and its archaeological museum are open to visitors.