On the slopes of Mt. Olympus, 5 km from the beaches of Pieria, Ancient Dion, the Holy City of Macedonia was found under a covering of undergrowth and water. This city had been a thriving centre of civilization from the time of its foundation for a period of 1,000 years from the 5th century BC to the 5th century AD.

The Macedonians regularly gathered in Dion to worship the Gods of Olympus, and to make sacrificial offerings, as can be seen from the objects found on the site. It was here that King Archelaos organized athletic competitions and theatrical events, and Philip the Second celebrated his victories at Dion, as did Alexander. It was here that Alexander gathered together his troops to prepare for his journeys of conquest, worshipping Zeus, King of the Gods of Olympus. 

At the Battle of Pydna, 168 BC, the death of Perseas, last King of Macedonia, brought an end to the Macedonian Dynasty. Dion became integrated into the Roman colony during the reign of Augustus.

The second peak of the city came during the Roman occupation in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, when it became "reborn" as a Greek city. The final days of Dion were written when it was destroyed by an earthquake and floods in the 5th c AD. The terrified citizens of the city took flight and sought refuge on the higher slopes of Olympus.

One of the most important sights to be found in Dion archeological park is the Villa of Dionysus. Watch the following video to learn more about it.

In the video to follow you can watch the process of conservation of the "Dionysus" mosaic by the conservation team.

Besides , on C4 short students' exchange Elexalde students and Katerini students visited this area. Students from Katerini school explained to Basque students all the characteristics of the place as well as the history  behind it

ASSESMENT 

Elexalde school

All the students did this reading about Dion after watching the Greek presentation