Aiani: In the kingdom of Elimeia

The excavation at Megali Rachi, 20 km away from Kozani, an extremely advantageous location on the side of the hill, has revealed an ancient city identified by archaeologists as Aiani. This beautiful outpost overlooks a fertile valley along the middle of the Aliakmon River and shows evidence of continuous habitation from the Neolithic period to the end of the Hellenistic era.

So far, three large public buildings have been brought to light, as well fragments of a street network and a number of private residences containing rich finds, painting the picture of a well-organised city as early as the Late Archaic and Classical periods.

A large 8.5m-deep circular reservoir, carved into the rock, would collect rainwater to supply the city’s irrigation system. The nearby Necropolis revealed tombs with lavish grave goods dating from the Late Bronze Age to the Late Hellenistic period, which speaks to the high standard of living of Aiani’s cultured inhabitants.