On the extensive fertile slope that lies in the Pieria mountains between the villages of Sfikia and Rizomata and divided in two by Melissorema, there is a very important residential center that can be identified with Levaii, the ancient cradle of the Macedonians. The settlement here starts from the Chalcolithic era and continues until late antiquity and the Byzantine years.

On the occasion of a series of indications, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Imathia started in 1993 a survey which determined the immediate need for excavation research, in order to identify, study and protect the numerous important archaeological sites which are scattered in the area of Pieria of Imathia which today includes the communities of Polydendri, Haradra, Sfikia, Rizomata and Daskio with the prospect of becoming known to the scientific community, but also to the wider public and to be properly utilized, contributing to the study and knowledge of ancestry heritage.

In this context, rescue excavations began in July 1994 in places near the community of Sfikia, while at the same time the surface research was intensified, which brought rich results, proving the importance of the area from the Neolithic to modern times.

In this way, the existence of a large and very important Neolithic settlement near the community of Sfikia (Keramaria site) was confirmed, as well as facilities of the Bronze Age, with which the two excellent quality Mycenaean swords (dated to Late Helladic III B and III C i.e. in the 14th and 13th centuries BC) that were found in the necropolis that extends to the site of Kalokyn Karya, document the close relationship of the Macedonians with the Greeks of the south already from these years. In the same necropolis, in which uninterrupted continuity of use until the Hellenistic and Roman years, there are also numerous burials from the early Iron Age (1100 - 700 BC), while cemeteries from the same period are scattered on the hills between Sfikia and the Rizomata and in the coastal area of Aliakmon towards Daskio. Of particular interest are the megalithic formations with reliefs and engraved symbols, probably sanctuaries of the early Iron Age, in the area of Sfikia and Daskio. Given the fact that before expanding to Imathia, Vermio and Vottiaia the Macedonians had settled in Pieria, the systematic research of these settlements, sanctuaries and cemeteries sheds light on the most unknown, but also the most critical period in the history of the Macedonian kingdom.

But even later, in the era of Macedonian prosperity (Classical and Hellenistic times), but also in the era of Roman rule, the area is still a rich and populous center, as shown by the remains of the numerous settlements, cemeteries and individual buildings scattered around on the hills along the eastern shore of Aliakmon from Polydendri to Daskio, while the castles that dominate the area (Paleokastra of Polydendri, Rizomata, Haradra and Daskio) bear witness to the vital importance of controlling the area which was a very important communication hub, since here passed the roads that connected Aigai and Lower Macedonia with Elimia and Upper Macedonia, Elassona and western Thessaly, but also western Pieria and, through the passage of Petra, with southern Greece.