Via Egnatia is the ancient road that connected Via Appia with Byzantium, an earlier settlement in the area of the later Constantinople – today’s Istanbul. It is – as the saying goes – one of all the roads that led to Rome – the most important in the Eastern Roman Empire based on historical descriptions. It was built between 146 and 120 BC and it was named after the Roman Governor of Macedonia, Gnaeus Egnatius who was the founder of this road. We find this information inscribed on the milestones located along the road, recording the distances of said points from the ends of the road.
During the 2 weekends of this project, traces of the ancient road will be followed between the settlements of Edessa, Agras, Nisi and Arnissa to the west of Edessa and Ekklisiochori and Prophitis Ilias to its east.
In addition, this program aspires to inspire local people to follow a healthy lifestyle, through physical activity and social cohesion.
Following in the footsteps of historical travelers, participants will have the opportunity to connect with the past and forge new bonds with their local heritage and fellow citizens. Through a mix of workshops and activities, the initiative will highlight the health benefits of hiking and thus boost hiking tourism.
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