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Roman Las Vegas Traditional Geocache

Hidden : 8/19/2013
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:


Roman Las Vegas


There are many interesting places in Macedonia, waiting for geocachers to be discovered! This cache will lead you back to ancient history of this country, to a city of Stobi.



The name Stobi is of Paeonian origin and means "post, pillar". It is located where the Erigón river (Black River, Mac.: Crna Reka) joins the Axiós river (Mac.: Vardar River), making it important strategically as a center for both trade and warfare. It is considered by many to be the most famous archaeological site in the Republic of Macedonia.


Part of Stobi



Stobi developed from a Paeonian settlement established in the Archaic period. It is believed that in 217 BC, Philip V annexed Paionia during his campaign against the Dardans who had entered the largest Paionian town Bylazora. Since this moment Paionia and Stobi are considered part of Macedonia.



In 168 BC, the Romans divided Macedonia into four nominally independent republics. The town was first mentioned in 197 BC by Livius. In 148 BC, the four areas of Macedonia were brought together in a unified Roman province. In the reign of Augustus the town grew in size and population. The town grew in 69 BC once it became a municipium and coins, with Municipium Stobensium printed on them, were distributed. The citizens of Stobi enjoyed Ius Italicum and were citizens of Rome. Most belonged to the tribes Aemila and Tromentina. Emperor Theodosius I stayed in Stobi in 388. Late in the 5th century the town underwent a terrible turn of events. In 479, it was robbed by Theodoric, an Ostrogothic king. The citizens reconstructed the town, but in 518 was struck by a powerful earthquake. Avaro-Slavic invasions in the 6th century ruined the city's economy and infrastructure.


Mosaics in baptiserium



There were discovered early christian bazilicas and remnants of palaces and villas, Domus Fullonica (a complex of connected shops and residences),amphitheater, even casino and jail… Stobi is known for its well preserved mosaics floors, especially in the baptiserium in basilica. Total of 18 floor mosaics were discovered here.



And how would your life in Stobi look if you would live there? Imagine the sun, only couple of thousand years younger … You are a rich trade man living in the House of Peristerius. You are wearing white frilled tunic, maybe even a laurel wreath on your head (if you like a fashion look). Your sandals step on the marble floor of Via Principalis Inferior on your way to Central Basilica to pray and honor Jupiter, Dionysus and Hera to secure their help and protection. Then, and after a light breakfast (only wine and figs, since you have overdo eating of roasted lamb and mead last night and now you have terrible headache) you are going to Magnae Thermae where a beautiful slave women will give you bath and massage with aromatic oils. After that you are ready to do your business. In the evening, you will enjoy a dinner with your family (roasted lamb and mead again), and after that, you hurry to the casino, where your friends are awaiting for you with the marble gamble tables, dices and wine. Life can be so difficult sometimes…


House of Peristerius



The cache is a small white plastic box.


About the cache: it is hidden in the wall. To find this cache as quick as possible, to avoid to be suspicious and to avoid any possible damages on the wall, use only the photo spoilers!!! Please, be very careful when getting out, logging and putting back the cache, in order to protect it of Muggles! Thanks.


Useful information about Stobi: Entrance fee is 120 denars (2 euros) for adult, 50 denars for a child.The ticket price includes a tour guiding (40-60 minutes).



Working hours: Every day 08:00 - 20:00.



How to get there: Driving on the highway E5 (Beograd-Athens) follow the signs for "STOBI". There are exits from the highway to Stobi. Direction Beograd-Athens: the exit to Stobi is R1. In the opposite direction (Athens-Beograd) the exit is R2.


Sources: Internet. Photos: Internet, Original (by Galejnik)

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Hfr gur cubgb fcbvyref gb nibvq qnzntr.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)