During the Second war with Rome, Macedonia around Stobi was often troubled by the incursion of Dardani. According to Livy (59 BC – 17 AD), Philip V in 183 BC decided to found a city in Deuriopus, near the Erigon River, not far from the ancient city of Stobi. He ordered the name of Perseida to be given to the new city, so as to show honor to his elder son. It is very likely that Bryanium as an already existing city of strategic importance was renamed to Perseida, since the city was in need to be rebuilt and better fortified. However, Perseida in short period of time was renamed to Deuriopus. http://www.macedonia.se/en/Load/62/perseida/

After the defeat in the battle at Pydna in 168 BC, Macedonia was severely punished and reduced to a Roman province when also Perseida as a town must have been quickly renamed to Deuriopus, to carry the same name as the whole region of Deuriopus.

There is a stone with inscription said to be found on the site of Styberra, erected there with the aim to commemorate a donation of 1500 denari, by Philip, who was a politarch of Deuriopus, i.e. an elected governor of the town during the Roman era of Macedonia.

A decorative stone taken from Gradište - now kept in the church of Drenovo

© Kiril Arsov, 2011