Stobi is an ancient town in R. Macedonia which has been excavated since the First World War.

Although there are some indiciations of an earlier settlement, it is generally accepted that the town existed between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD.

During the joint American-Macedonian (Yugoslav) research project in 1972-74, near the eastern tower of the inner rampart, parts of the northern and eastern wall with 7 niches, which belong to a large building, were discovered. The excavation of this building was renewed in 2003-2005, in the frame of the research project entitled as “Roman Forum”.

It is a large public building, with rich architectural features. The building is oriented in E-W direction, and measures 35 m in length and 22.50 m in width. On the eastern wall there is a wide doorway and 6 arched niches, on the northern wall there are 4 niches, and 10 niches were discovered on the southern wall. The walls are preserved up to 5.50 m, and the niches are between 1.90 and 2.20 m wide. The arches are adorned with an arched modeled marble decoration. The area between the arches in the upper part is coated with mortar, decorated with painted geometrical ornaments in al secco technique, and the lower part, up to 4 m height, is coated with marble slabs decorated with carved floral motifs in shallow and deep relief. Among the abundant movable archaeological artifacts (ceramic and glass vessels, decorative bone and bronze objects and coins), parts of marble sculptures which adorned the niches as well as parts of marble columns has drawn special attention.

The building dates to the 2nd century AD. Remains of the burned beams suggest that it was destroyed in a heavy fire towards the end of the 3rd century AD, as most part of Stobi.