Philippi

Philippi was an important city in ancient Greece, located northwest of the island of Thasos. Originally called Crenides, meaning "Fountains," the city was renamed by Philip II of Macedon in 356 BC. Over many years, Philippi grew and became a busy place with strong ties to the Roman Empire.

The city holds great meaning for early Christianity, as it was an important place for the spread of Christian teachings. Today, the ruins of Philippi can still be visited and were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016 for its special Roman architecture and well-planned streets.

One famous event that happened in Philippi was the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, which played a big role in shaping the history of the ancient world. Near where the old city once stood, you can now find the village of Filippoi close to the modern city of Kavala, in the region of East Macedonia and Thrace.

History

Thasian settlers founded a place called Crenides in Thrace around 360/359 BC. In 356 BC, King Philip II of Macedon took over the town and renamed it Philippi. The city was important because it was near gold mines and controlled a key travel route.

Later, during a big battle in 42 BC, the forces of Mark Antony and Octavian defeated others at Philippi. The city became a Roman colony and grew wealthy, with many buildings showing its importance.

In New Testament times, the apostle Paul visited Philippi and helped start one of the first Christian communities there. As the years went on, the city faced challenges like invasions and earthquakes, and eventually, it was abandoned.

Archaeological excavation of the site

The site of Philippi was first described in modern times by Georges Perrot in 1860 after his visit in 1856. More detailed studies followed in 1861 by Léon Heuzey and Honoré Daumet. Major excavations started in 1914 by the École française d'Athènes, pausing during the First World War but continuing until 1937. They uncovered important areas like the Greek theatre and public baths. After the Second World War, Greek archaeologists resumed work. Between 1958 and 1978, teams found more structures including a special church area and large homes.