In the northern part of ancient Macedonia, at the confluence of the Crna and Vardar rivers, once stood the city of Stobi. The Roman historian Titus Livius already mentioned Stobi in his historical writings as an old city. Thanks to its strategic position at the crossroads of important trade routes, Stobi developed into a significant economic and cultural center, and during the Roman Empire, it held the status of a municipium. Among the many communities that lived in this cosmopolitan city, the Jewish community left a profound mark on its history. Archaeological evidence of the Jewish presence in Stobi dates back to the 2nd–3rd century AD. In 1931, during archaeological excavations, a column with a 32-line inscription in Greek was discovered, originating from precisely this period. The inscription states that Claudius Tiberius Polycharm fulfilled his vow and helped build a synagogue, serving as testimony to the existence of an organised Jewish community in the city.

From this epigraphic monument — considered one of the most important epigraphic pieces of evidence of the Jewish diaspora in the Roman world — we learn about the generosity of a Roman citizen with a Latin name and surname and a Greek nickname: Tiberius Claudius Polycharm. The text reads:

„ ... Claudius Tiberius Polycharmos, also called Achyrios, the father of the synagogue at Stobi, who held all his offices according to Judaism, because of a vow gave (a part of his) house for the holy place, triclinium with a tetrastoon, from his own money, taking nothing from the holy (treasury); all control over all upper (part of the house) and ownership will be mine, of Claudios Tiberius Polycharmos, and of my inheritors for a lifetime. If anyone wants to change something against my decisions, let him give 250,000 denars to the patriarchy. So I decided, and my inheritors and I will cover with tiles the upper (floor)."

The inscription is currently kept in the National Museum in Belgrade (inv. no. 22–27), and due to the importance of its content, it has been thoroughly studied by numerous researchers over the years. The synagogue in Stobi was not only a place of worship, but also a centre for education and social activities within the community. The Jewish community played a significant role in the economic life of Stobi. As merchants and craftsmen, they contributed to the prosperity of the city. Toward the end of the 4th century, the synagogue was demolished, and a Christian basilica was built in its place, indicating changes in the religious landscape of the city. It is believed that the Jewish community was persecuted or destroyed during Emperor Theodosius’ stay in Stobi in the year 388. Despite the disappearance of the community, its legacy remains etched in the history of Stobi. The discovered archaeological findings—such as the remains of the synagogue and inscriptions—stand as evidence of the presence and influence of the Jews in this ancient city. Today, these findings represent an important part of the cultural and historical heritage of Macedonia.