The Ancient Nikopolis
The Ancient Nikopolis: An extremely important archaeological site founded by Octavius Augustus, in honor of his victory in the naval battle against Antony and Cleopatra at Aktio (31 B.C.). It was built upon a 3.5 km wide “cleft” between the Amvrakikos lagoon of Mazoma and the Ionian Sea. During Roman years, it flourished as the capital, administrative and ecclesiastic centre of the Roman province of Old Epirus. The city was deserted after the Bulgarians invaded it in the early 10th century. Among others, the archaeological site includes Roman walls, a conservatory and theatre (1st century A.D.), Augustus’ Monument, the Nymphaeum, the Byzantine walls, a Paleochristian villa and the Vasilospito, a Roman structure which was also used in Christian times.