Thessalonica (Thessaloniki), Greece
City:
Thessaloniki
State, Province, Region, or District:
Country:
Greece
Overview
Modern Thessaloniki (biblical Thessalonica) is Greece’s second largest city. Thessalonica is a beautiful seaside city in the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea and was a principal stop on the Via Egnatia, a major Roman road. This old city was built in 316 BC by Kassandros (Cassander), king of Macedonia, once a general in the army of Alexander the Great. He named the city for his wife, Thessalonike, daughter of Philip II of Macedon and the half-sister of Alexander.
For centuries after its establishment by Kassandros, Thessalonica became the premier city of northern Greece, enduring and flourishing under Hellenistic, Roman, and Greek control. Many famous figures in world history played important roles throughout its lengthy and colorful existence, including Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, Cicero, Pompey, and Sulëyman I the Magnificent, among others. But no resident or visitor to Thessalonica had a greater in influence on the city than an obscure Christian missionary who visited there in the 1st century A.D. – Paul of Tarsus. The first New Testament writing is believed to be Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians.
Although its ancient ruins and monuments are overshadowed by those of Athens, this city is well worth visiting for its fine archaeological museum and as a point of departure for Philippi and Neopolis (Kavala), as well as the spectacular Royal Tombs at Vergina, home to the amazing riches of the family of Alexander the Great. Increasingly, more of ancient Thessalonica is being unearthed by archaeologists and made available to public view.
Alternate Names
Thessalonica, Thessaloniki, Salonica, Salonika, Selanik (by the Ottoman Turks)
Geography & Location
Thessaloniki is a major city located in northern Greece, specifically in the geographic region of Macedonia. It lies on the Thermaic Gulf, at the northwest corner of the Aegean Sea.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Biblical Significance
Architecture
Thessaloniki boasts a fascinating architectural tapestry, woven from centuries of diverse influences. Its history as a major city under Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule is clearly reflected in the buildings that stand today.
Biblical & Historical References
The Apostle Paul and his companions traveled to Thessalonica on his second missionary journey (49-50 A.D.). The events at Thessalonica are told in Acts 17:1-15.
Spiritual Lessons and Application
Not long after his initial visit to Thessalonica, Paul was in Corinth, where he wrote two letters that we now call 1 and 2 Thessalonians, addressed to the newfound church in Thessalonica. The Apostle Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica, documented in the book of Acts and his letters to the Thessalonians (1 & 2 Thessalonians), offers numerous spiritual lessons relevant to Christian life.
Etymology
The original name of the city was Θεσσαλονίκη Thessaloníkē. It was named after the princess Thessalonike of Macedon, the half sister of Alexander the Great, whose name means "Thessalian victory", from Θεσσαλός Thessalos, and Νίκη 'victory' (Nike), honoring the Macedonian victory at the Battle of Crocus Field (353/352 BC).
Planning a Visit
Disclaimer: The information provided below may not be current. Travel details, entry requirements, and business operations are subject to frequent change due to holidays, seasonal fluctuations, maintenance, staffing levels, weather, and safety considerations. Always double-check with official sources before you go.
Places of Interest
Arch of Galerius
Virtual Visit
Perhaps the most visible ancient monument in Thessalonica is the Arch of Galerius, a triumphal arch beside the Via Egnatia (Egnatia Odhos), erected in 304 A.D. to commemorate the emperor’s victories over the Persians (297 A.D.). Originally two additional spans extended across what is today the street of Egnatia. Reliefs on the piers of the better-preserved arch depict (top to bottom, east side): a sacrificial scene depicting Diocletian and Galerius (to his right) and Caesar, in military garb, celebrating the victories of Caesar; Galerius addressing his troops; prisoners begging for mercy; and beneath the central arch, Galerius riding in his chariot; Galerius fighting on horseback; and various battle scenes.