Archaeologists discover unexpected find at the school where Aristotle taught Alexander

Archaeologists found an unexpected discovery at the school where Aristotle taught Alexander

During excavations on the territory of an ancient school in Greece, luxurious banquet halls with mosaics were discovered. It was in this very place that the philosopher Aristotle educated Alexander of Macedon.

According to Labrujulaverde, the large-scale excavations were carried out 65 kilometers from the Greek city of Thessaloniki, led by Angeliki Kottaridi, Honorary Archaeologist of Ancient Monuments.

Archaeologists studied in detail the eastern part of the complex — the didaskaleion, meaning the house of education. Located here were classrooms with stone benches and a palaestra where gymnastics classes were held.

But the most significant find was a three-room building covering an area of more than 160 square meters. Two androns — banquet halls intended for men — were discovered in it.

In both rooms, mosaic floors and stone couches designed for reclining banquets for at least 20 guests are well preserved. This find shows that the Macedonian nobility, including the young men who studied alongside Alexander, learned not only logic and other sciences, but also the art of hosting luxurious banquets in line with royal court traditions.

According to the Ministry of Culture of Greece, the decorations and mosaic floors of the complex are almost identical to the decorations of the royal palace of the Macedonian rulers in Aegae.

According to scientists, the gymnasium in Mieza was built by the very same craftsmen who constructed the residence of the Macedonian rulers.

Fragments of an Ionic frize, ancient pottery, and coins were also found in the excavation area, which covers nearly 3 hectares.

Systematic excavations began in 2024. During this time, archaeologists have also discovered bronze styluses and valuable amphorae.

The ancient complex did not operate for long. It was destroyed by the Romans in 148 BC. However, the layer formed as a result of the ruins and fire preserved the ancient mosaics and plaster parts in a unique way.

Thus, on the territory of the school where Aristotle taught Alexander of Macedon, archaeologists discovered not only traces of the ancient education system, but also a unique complex reflecting the life and court culture of the Macedonian nobility.