The ancient city of Philippi was founded on the foothills of the hills that covered the southeastern part of the Drama plain. The city of Philippi is the most significant archaeological site in Eastern Macedonia. The first settlers were colonists from Thasos, who established the colony of Krenides around 360 BC. The city flourished during the Hellenistic period.
The Thasian colonists founded the colony knowing the wealth of the area in valuable minerals, timber, and agricultural products. Very quickly(365 BC), the new colony, threatened by the Thracians, sought the help of Philip II, the King of Macedon. Recognizing the city's economic and strategic importance, he captured it, fortified it, and gave it his name: Philippi.
During its period of development in the Hellenistic era, the city of Philippi acquired its city walls, a theater, public buildings, and private residences. The passage of the Via Egnatia through Philippi in the 2nd century BC gave the city greater significance, as it turned it into a key reference point for the region.
In 42 BC, the dramatic Battle of Philippi, fought outside the western walls of the city, completely altered its character. After his victory, Octavian transformed the city into a Roman colony(Colonia Augusta Julia Philippensis). As a result, the city expanded and became an important economic, administrative, and artistic center.
Another significant event that would again change the character of the city was the arrival of the Apostle Paul, who established the first Christian church on European soil here in 49/50 AD. The triumph of the new religion, along with the relocation of the Roman Empire's capital to Constantinople, brought prestige to Philippi. During the Early Christian period (4th - 6th centuries AD), the Roman buildings were replaced by the complex of the "Octagon," which included the metropolitan church dedicated to the Apostle Paul, as well as three magnificent basilicas.
The city began to be abandoned in the early 7th century AD due to major earthquakes and Slavic invasions. It survived during the Byzantine period as a fortified stronghold, while its final abandonment occurred with the Turkish conquest at the end of the 14th century.
The archaeological research in Philippi began in 1914 by the French Archaeological School. After World War II, the Archaeological Service and the Archaeological Society conducted systematic excavations. Today, the Archaeological Service, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the French Archaeological School continue the archaeological research. The findings from the excavations are kept in the Philippi Archaeological Museum. Every year, during the summer months (from May to September), the site is cleared of vegetation to facilitate safe access for visitors.
Maria Nikolaidou-Patera, archaeologist.
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου