Scupi

Scupi is an archaeological site located between Zajčev Rid and the Vardar River, several kilometers from the center of modern Skopje in North Macedonia [1]. A Roman town was founded in the time of Domitian and Scupi became the chief center for romanizing Dardania [1]. It was abandoned in AD 518 during interregnum between Anastasius I Dicorus and Justin I after an earthquake destroyed the city [1]. Scupi became the capital of Dardania, which extended from Naissus to Bylazora, in the second century BC [1]. Scupi grew up as a colony of legionnaires, mainly veterans of the Legio VII Claudia in the time of Domitian (AD 81–96), even though several legions of Crassus' army of 29-28 BC, may already have been stationed there [1]. Scupi was included in Moesia Superior after the province was formed in AD 6 [1]. According to archaeologist Mikulčić, Scupi was once twice the size of Stobi, five times larger than Heraclea near Bitola, and nine times larger than Bargala near Štip, making it the largest known Roman settlement in the region [1].