Philippi

The archaeological site of Philippi is the most important in East Macedonia, with characteristic monuments of the Hellenistic, Roman and early Christian periods. Its story began in 360/359 BC, as colonists from the island of Thasos founded the city under the name Krenides. In 356 BC, the inhabitants requested protection and support from King Philip II of Macedonia, as the city was threatened by the Thracians. Philip had already foreseen the economic and strategic potential of the city, so he conquered and fortified it and renamed it Philippi, after himself. After the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, the city became a Roman colony. The bustling Hellenistic city of Philip II, whose walls, gates, theatre and some tombs are still visible, has been complemented by Roman public buildings such as the Forum and a monumental terrace with temples in the north. Its location on Via Egnatia, the ancient road linking Europe and Asia, furthered its development. Of particular importance in the history of Philippi was the year 49 or 50, when Apostle Paul visited the city and built the first Christian church in Europe and also performed the first Christian baptism. This made Philippi the first Christian community in Europe and a germ cell for the further development of Christianity in Europe. The remains of his basilicas provide an extraordinary testimony to the early establishment of Christianity. Therefore, there is also a lot of religious tourism here....