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Philippi

Philippi, Greece was important for its role in the spread of Christianity in Europe and as the site of a major battle in the Roman Republic. 

Christianity
  • The apostle Paul founded the first Christian church in Europe in Philippi around 50 or 51 AD.
  • The church in Philippi became a center of early Christianity.
  • Paul wrote letters to the Christian converts in Philippi. 
Battle of Philippi
  • In 42 BC, Mark Antony and Octavian defeated Brutus and Cassius in the Battle of Philippi.
  • This battle was the final battle in the Liberators’ civil war. 
Roman military post
  • Philippi was a strategic Roman military post on the Via Egnatia, a road that connected Asia to the West.
  • The Romans established a colony for Roman veterans in Philippi after the battle of 42 BC. 
Archaeological site
  • Philippi is a well-preserved archaeological site in northeastern Greece. 
  • The site includes a theater, four basilicas, and over a hundred pictorial rock carvings.
  • Philippi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
History 
  • Philippi was originally founded by immigrants from Thrace and named Crenides, which means “fountains” or “springs”.
  • Philip II of Macedon renamed the city Philippi around 359 BC.
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