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Philippi
41.0131° N, 24.2864° E
About
Philippi (; Greek: Φίλιπποι, Phílippoi) was a major Greek city northwest of the nearby island, Thasos. Its original name was Crenides (Greek: Κρηνῖδες, Krēnĩdes "Fountains") after its establishment by Thasian colonists in 360/359 BC. The city was renamed by Philip II of Macedon in 356 BC and abandoned in the 14th century after the Ottoman conquest. The present village of Filippoi is located near the ruins of the ancient city and is part of the region of East Macedonia and Thrace in Kavala, Greece. The archaeological site was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016 because of its exceptional Roman architecture, its urban layout as a smaller reflection of Rome itself, and its importance in early Christianity.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Colonial refoundation and Augustan reorganisation
30 BC – 27 BC
Forum construction phases
41–161 AD
Battle of Philippi
October 42 BC
Paul's first visit
c. AD 49–50
Paul's later visits and epistle
AD 56–57; letter c. 61–62
Polycarp's letter to Philippi
c. AD 160
Roman reorganisation after Third Macedonian War
168 BC
Integration into Macedon (late reigns)
221–179 BC
Basilica of Paul reference
c. AD 343
Philip II conquest and renaming
356 BC
Foundation as Crenides
360/359 BC
Ostrogothic siege
AD 473
Plague of Justinian
AD 547
Destructive earthquake
c. AD 619
Bulgarian capture under Isbul
AD 838
Byzantine fortification works
c. AD 969
Defences rebuilt by Bishop Basil
AD 1077
Medieval mention by Al Idrisi
c. AD 1150
Frankish and Serbian occupations
AD 1204
Abandonment after Ottoman conquest
14th century
UNESCO World Heritage inscription
2016
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Defensive Structures
Water Management Features
Public and Civic Structures
Burial and Funerary Structures
Industrial and Craft Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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