North Macedonia Ohrid History: A Rich and Varied Past
The history of North Macedonia and its city of Ohrid is a long and varied one, with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Ohrid, situated in the south-western part of the country, is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history spanning more than two millennia. This ancient city is home to some of the most important monuments of the region, including the Church of St. John at Kaneo, the Church of St. Sophia, the Church of St. Panteleimon, and the Monastery of St. Naum.
The city of Ohrid has a long and eventful history, which can be traced back to the 4th century BC. It is believed to have been founded by the Illyrians, a people who inhabited the region prior to the arrival of the Romans. The Romans conquered the region in the 2nd century BC and established the city of Lissus, which later became known as Lychnidos. During the Roman period, the city was an important trading port and was the site of a major naval battle between the Romans and the Macedonians.
In the 5th century AD, the city was conquered by the Slavs, who renamed it Ohrid. During the Middle Ages, Ohrid became an important center of Slavic culture and the seat of the Archbishopric of Ohrid. This period saw the construction of many of the city’s iconic churches and monasteries, including the Church of St. John at Kaneo, the Church of St. Sophia, and the Monastery of St. Naum.
In the 13th century, Ohrid was conquered by the Byzantine Empire and became an important center of Byzantine culture. During this period, the city was home to a number of important scholars, including the renowned philosopher and theologian, John Chrysostom.
In the 15th century, Ohrid was conquered by the Ottomans, who renamed it Manastir. During the Ottoman period, the city was an important center of Islamic culture, and its monuments were greatly expanded.
During the 19th century, Ohrid was the center of a major cultural revival, with the construction of many new churches and monasteries. In the 20th century, the city was the site of a major battle between the Bulgarians and the Serbs during the First Balkan War.
Today, Ohrid is a popular tourist destination and is home to a number of important monuments, including the Church of St. John at Kaneo, the Church of St. Sophia, the Church of St. Panteleimon, and the Monastery of St. Naum. The city is also home to a number of other important cultural and historical sites, including the Ohrid Fortress, the Ohrid Museum, and the Ohrid Archaeological Museum.
The city of Ohrid is a testament to the rich and varied history of North Macedonia, and its monuments and cultural sites are a reminder of the region’s past. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring the history and culture of the region.