Philippi

Philippi is an ancient city in eastern Macedonia, located in present-day Greece near the village of Krinides, northeast of Kavala. It was founded in 360 BCE by King Philip II of Macedon as a fortified settlement on the Via Egnatia and named after Philip. Under the Hellenistic and Roman periods it developed into a substantial urban center and later became a Roman colonia.

Geography and remains: It sits on the broad plain beside the Gangites river and prospered as a key junction on the Via Egnatia. The archaeological site preserves extensive remains, including a classical theater, a large forum, public buildings, and early Christian basilicas, as well as inscriptions and mosaics from late antiquity.

History and significance: In 42 BCE the decisive Battle of Philippi took place near the city, with Octavian and Antony defeating Brutus and Cassius, consolidating Roman control over the eastern provinces. In the first century AD Philippi became a major Christian center after Paul the Apostle preached there; the epistle to the Philippians later addresses the Christian community in the city.

Today, Philippi is an important archaeological site and park administered by the Greek Ministry of Culture. It is open to visitors and scholars, with protected ruins and a visitor infrastructure; it remains a key source for studies of ancient Macedonian and Roman urbanism as well as early Christian history.