Archaeological Site of Philippi
Accessibility:
Duration: 90
Ages: 15-80
The ancient city of Philippi was founded on the fringes of the marshes that covered the southeastern part of the plain of Drama. The city of Philippi is the most important archaeological site of Eastern Macedonia. Its first inhabitants were colonists from Thassos, who founded in 360 BC. the colony of Krinides. The city flourished during the Hellenistic years.
The Thasian settlers founded the colony knowing the wealth of the area in precious metals, timber and agricultural products. Very quickly (365 BC) the new colony, threatened by the Thracians, asks for the help of Philip II, King of Macedonia. He, foreseeing the economic and strategic importance of the city, occupies it, fortifies it and gives it his name: Philippi.
During the period of its development, in the Hellenistic years, the city acquired its wall, the theater, public buildings and private residences. The passage through Philippi of the “Egnatian Way”, in the 2nd BC. c., gave the city greater importance as it turned it into a point of reference for the region.
In 42 BC the dramatic battle of Philippi outside the western walls of the city completely changed its character, since after his conquest Octavian turned it into a Roman colony (Colonia Augusta Julia Philippensis). Thus the city grows and emerges as an economic, administrative and artistic center.
Another important event, however, was to change the character of the city again. The arrival of the Apostle Paul, who founded here the first Christian church on European soil in 49/50 AD. The prevalence of the new religion and the transfer of the capital of the Roman state to Constantinople brought glory to the Philippi. During the early Christian years (4th – 6th centuries AD), the “Octagon” complex was founded, in place of the Roman buildings, with the metropolitan church dedicated to the Apostle Paul, as well as three magnificent basilicas.
The city begins to be abandoned at the beginning of the 7th AD. century due to great earthquakes and Slavic raids. It survived the Byzantine years, as a strong fortress, while its desolation was completed with the Turkish conquest at the end of the 14th century.
Excavation research began in Philippi in 1914 by the French Archaeological School. After World War II, the Archaeological Service and the Archaeological Society carried out systematic excavations. Today the Archaeological Service, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the French School of Archeology continue the archaeological research. The findings of the excavations are kept in the Archaeological Museum of Philippi. Every year during the summer months (from May to September) the area is cleared of vegetation for the convenience and safe access of visitors.