Nikopolis

The Victory city of Greece

Nikopolis was founded by the Roman Emperor Octavian, to commemorate his victory against Marc Antony and Cleopatra VII of Egypt at the naval battle of Actium (31 BC). It was built on a "nape" 3.5 km wide between the Mazoma lagoon at Amvrakikos Gulf and the Ionian Sea.

Nikopolis is located 8 km N of Preveza, an archaeological site of great significance.

During Roman and Early Byzantine period, it flourished as the capital of the province of Old Epirus (Epirus Vetus). Within the archaeological site lie the Roman fortifications, the Odeon and the Theater (1st c. AD), the Monument of Emperor Octavian, the Nymfaion, Byzantine walls; basilicas of the early Christian era and the so-called “Vassilospito” (“King’s House”), a Roman edifice also used during the Christian era.

The new Archaeological Museum of Nicopolis (opened in 2009) lies just beyond the archaeological site; it displays fascinating exhibits of the long-lasting existence of the city in both Roman and Early Christian times.