Velika Castle #1334

Description

The fortifications date from three distinct periods, with the last phase being early Byzantine.

The Byzantine name of the settlement is unknown. The name "Velica" came into use after the site was abandoned and is of either Slavic or Turkish origin.

The settlement was partly built over the ruins of an ancient city, likely Melivia, known as the hometown of Philoctetes, a hero from the Iliad. The city was destroyed by the Romans in 168 BC, but the area continued to be inhabited until the 8th century, when it was ultimately abandoned.

Recent excavations (2009-2010) uncovered a fortified area of 21,000 square meters. On the southern and eastern sides, which are better preserved, there are remains of two gates and five towers. The walls, constructed from raw stones, are 2 meters thick and reach a maximum height of 3 meters.

The fortifications were strengthened during the middle Byzantine period, possibly in the 7th century. Most of the buildings uncovered within the walls are older, dating back to the early Byzantine period.