Nikopolis — Augustus's Hidden Secret

Your journey begins at the Actium Commemorative Monument, erected by Octavian Augustus in 29 BC to celebrate his victory against Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Admire the foundations of this 11-meter-high structure, built of Pentelic marble imported from Athens, whose Greek inscription once honored the future emperor. This archaeological site, adjacent to Nikopolis, is the starting point for an immersion into ancient Epirus, where the history of the Battle of Actium in 31 BC truly comes to life. It was here that Augustus's power was consolidated, marking a new era for Rome.

Heading towards the Roman Theater of Nikopolis, about 500m via the Via Egnatia, you will discover a building whose cavea diameter reaches 85 meters. Built in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Hadrian, this theater could accommodate between 5,000 and 7,000 spectators. Its 32 remarkably preserved rows of seats bear witness to the cultural and social importance of Nikopolis until the 4th century. This Greek historical monument is tangible proof of Roman ingenuity and the Empire's influence in Epirus.

Continue your visit to Nikopolis to the Stadium, an elliptical edifice from the 2nd century AD, 230m long and 30m wide, capable of holding 12,000 spectators. This north-south oriented venue, with stone stands, hosted the Actia, quadrennial athletic games founded by Augustus in 27 BC in honor of his victory. Located 800m from the starting point, this stadium offers a unique perspective on the entertainments and celebrations that punctuated life in the city of Nikopolis, a true UNESCO World Heritage 2008 site.

The Roman Baths of Nikopolis, a thermal complex from the 2nd-3rd century AD covering 4,000 m², reveal the advanced engineering of the era. With its 20x10m frigidarium and caldarium heated by 12 furnaces via a hypocaust, this site, an integral part of the gymnasium, illustrates the refinement of daily Roman life. Not far from the theater, in the central district of Nikopolis, this edifice was abandoned after an earthquake around 500 AD, but its remains are an eloquent testimony to the heritage of Epirus.

Finally, your itinerary through the monuments of Nikopolis will lead you to the West Gate, a monumental gate from the 1st century AD with a triple arch 15m high on the Via Egnatia, flanked by cylindrical towers 10m in diameter. The main entrance to the city fortified by Augustus, it symbolizes the power and grandeur of the city. By concluding your exploration of Nikopolis, you will have not only discovered an incredibly rich Roman archaeological site but also felt the echo of the history and decisions that shaped the Roman Empire in Greece, an unforgettable interactive tour to understand the history of Nikopolis.