Excavations at the archaeological site of Vardarski Rid have revealed six layers of remains of different settlements dating from the period between the thirteenth and the first centuries before Christ. There are also indications of a Neolithic settlement (4500 before Christ) with an organized social structure. The economic, social and cultural development of the region over the centuries is reflected in the size and type of the six settlements. In prehistoric times, more specifically during the Iron Age (eighth–sixth century before Christ), Vardarski Rid was the central settlement of the Paionians. During the Classical period it was one of several settlements on the bank of the Vardar (Axios) River. In the age of the Macedonian Empire it was probably the administrative centre of the Amphaxitis region.