Philippi, Greece
City:
Philippi
State, Province, Region, or District:
Country:
Greece
Overview
The Apostle Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe in the city of Philippi. Philippi was in ancient Greece on the eastern border of the Roman province of Macedonia, about 10 miles inland from the coast, directly northwest of its nearest port city, Neapolis (Kavala). A strategic area in ancient times, Philippi sat on a fertile plain through which passed the Via Egnatia, a trade highway that linked the Aegean and Adriatic Seas. Many travelers passed through Philippi on their way to and from Rome. The city of Philippi was famous for its abundant gold mines and plenteous springs of water. From these springs, the town received its name Crenides, meaning “fountains” or “springs.” Later, around 359 BC, the city was renamed Philippi after Philip of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. Under Alexander, the city rose to become the capital of the Greek Empire. By New Testament times, the city had come under Roman rule with a diverse population of native Thracians, Greeks, and Romans. A famous school of medicine existed in Philippi, where the gospel writer Luke may have studied.
Philippi exists today only as an archaeological site. The town of Philippi was gradually abandoned from the early 7th century AD, due to large earthquakes and Slavic raids. It survived in the Byzantine period as a fortress but was completely abandoned after the Turkish conquest in the late 14th century. Extensive archaeological and historical research has been done at Philippi, uncovering ruins that include the forum, agora, streets, gymnasium, baths, basilicas, library, and acropolis. Also, the site contains what may be a 400 BC temple of Apollo and Artemis, along with numerous inscriptions and coins.
Alternate Names
Philippi, Dikli-tach
Geography & Location
The ancient city of Philippi is located in northeastern Greece, specifically in the region of Macedonia. It's situated near the coast and about 10 miles inland from the port city of Neapolis (modern-day Kavala). Philippi was located 115 miles northeast of Thessalonica (Salonika) (Thessaloniki), now close to the Bulgarian border. The city occupies the edge of a plain east of Mt. Pangaeus, tucked in the valley between the Lekani (east) and Phalakro and Menikio (north). Mt. Pangeo was the sacred mountain of Dionysos in antiquity, as well as the area of great gold and silver mines. The plain area had a large swampy valley in the ancient period, but the swamp was drained in the 1930s by a canal system for irrigation.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Biblical Significance
Architecture
Biblical & Historical References
While in Troas (now the Asian part of Turkey) on his second missionary journey, Paul was called by God in a vision to go to Macedonia (Acts 16:8-10). Paul and his companions sailed to the port of Neapolis (modern Kavala), then traveled about 10 miles inland to Philippi.
Spiritual Lessons and Application
In addition to the items below, also read the article: The Apostle Paul Goes to Europe.
Etymology
Site Visit
The archaeological site lies on both sides of highway 12, approximately 9 miles northwest of Kavala. Excavations at the site, first conducted in 1917 by the French School of Archaeology at Athens, continue today by the Greek Archaeological Service, the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, and the French School of Archaeology at Athens.