Organized by the Institute of History and Archaeology (INISA) at the Faculty of Educational Sciences of the University “Goce Delcev” – Stip, in cooperation with several domestic and international partners, the Second International Scientific Symposium on Theoretical Mediterranean Archaeology “Lychnis” was held in Ohrid from 18 to 20 September 2026.
This prestigious event once again positions Ohrid and Macedonia as significant international centers for the study of Mediterranean and theoretical archaeology, confirming the reputation of Macedonian scientists and the international networking of the University “Goce Delcev”.
Top world names and a rich scientific program
The annual symposium, entitled “Mediterranean Archaeology between Empires and Imperialism”, brought together 45 lecturers from the country and the world, as well as numerous students and postgraduates from the UGD. Participants had the opportunity to follow cutting-edge analyses and the latest results of archaeological research.
The opening ceremony was held at the Gallery of Icons in Ohrid, where the Dean of FON, Prof. Dr. Trajce Stojanov, the Head of INISA and Director of the Symposium, Prof. Dr. Ljuben Tevdovski, as well as the members of the international scientific committee: Prof. Dr. Emanuela Borgia from the Sapienza University (Rome) and Dr. Roderick Salisbury, editor of The European Archaeologist and associate of the Austrian Academy, delivered appropriate addresses.
Plenary lectures were given by eminent world authorities:
- Felipe Chiado Boado, former president of the European Association of Archaeologists;
- Academician Miguel John Verschlaus, head of the Institute for Classical and Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Leiden;
- Prof. Dr. Stojko Stojkov, member of MANU outside the working group and professor at FON;
- Prof. Dr. Mitko Panov, director of the Institute of National History.
Significant addresses were also given by Prof. Dr. Katharina Ribau-Salisbury (University of Vienna), Prof. Dr. Andrew Gardner (University College London), as well as the directors of key institutions for the protection of cultural heritage in Macedonia. A special contribution was made by the Metropolitan of the Debar-Kicevo Diocese, Mr. Georgij, with a special address and reception of the guests at his residence.
The scientific sessions took place at authentic locations of Ohrid architecture and culture – the Memorial House of Hristo Uzunov, the Memorial House of Grigor Prlichev and the House of Robevci, where the closing ceremony took place.
During their stay from September 14 to 21, international professors and experts, led by the INISA team, visited several archaeological sites, held meetings at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and in a number of museums, during which future scientific collaborations and international projects were agreed upon.
