Ancient Kassope, Epirus, Greece

Kassope was a typical small Greek city with a population of about 8 - 10, 000 during its heyday between 3rd - early 2nd c. BC. Kassope was one of about 70 Greek cities in Epiros, destroyed by the decree of the Roman Senate in 167 BC. After it's destruction part of the city continued to be occupied by the surviving inhabitants until they were obliged to abandon it forever, on order to take part in the synoecism, amalgamation of villages, that created the new city of Nikopolis further south. Nikopolis was founded by Octavian Augustus following his victory over Mark Anthony and Cleopatra at the battle of Actium in 31 BC. In the foreground is the Katagogeion, or Hostel, a two storey building with rooms arranged around a peristyle courtyard., by DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY