Archaeological Site of Philippi
The ruins of this walled city sit at the foot of an acropolis in northeastern Greece, on the Via Egnatia, an ancient route linking Europe and Asia. Founded in 356 BC by King Philip II of Macedonia, the city developed into a "little Rome" in the decades following the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, with the establishment of the Roman Empire. The vibrant Hellenistic city under Philip II, with its walls and gates, theatre and hero temples buried within the city, was supplemented with Roman public buildings such as the forum and the monumental terrace with temples to the north. Later, the city became a centre of the Christian faith following a visit by the Apostle Paul in 49-50 AD. The remains of its basilica are outstanding testimony to the establishment of early Christianity.