Religion in Upper Macedonia during the Antiquity. Contacts and Reaction

Abstract

The region of Upper Macedonia (Macedonia’s north-western extremity, which was frequently referred to in ancient sources) became a field of controversy, fusions and syncretism over the course of its history due to its distinct geographical location and the diversity of its population. The region consisted of a mainly rural population despite having some urban centers. This population maintained its tribal and cultural characteristics until Late Antiquity. Sanctuary locations follow the general geographical distribution of cities and settlements. According to the present excavation data, these sanctuaries do not display monumentality, which is a characteristic of the Macedonian region. Upper Macedonia, secluded and mountainous, occupied a distinct geographical location, which to some extent justifies its population diversity. For these reasons it became a field of cultural controversy, fusion, and syncretism over the course of its history. The research and presentation of the cults of the extreme northwestern part of Macedonia, an area with indigenous population and foreign elements, complements the picture of the religious beliefs of the inhabitants of the northern part of Greece, as they were formed during the Hellenistic and, mainly, the Roman period.