Ancient Theater of Philippi, in background acropolis of city in sunset; East Macedonia, Greece.
Philippi was founded in 360 BC, as a colony of Thassos named Krenides, in a strategic location in an area rich in agricultural goods, timber for ship-building and precious metals. In 356 BC, Philip II conquered city, completed its fortifications and renamed it Philippi. First phase of the ancient theatre dates to this period. City developed into one of the most important in Macedon.
Following Roman conquest of Macedon (148 BC), Philippi became part of first administrative district of Macedonia, with Amphipolis as its capital. Construction of Via Egnatia through Philippi contributed to the development of city and its return to the forefront of events. In 42 BC, great battle which marked end of Roman Republic took place in plain of Philippi. Victors, Octavian and Mark Anthony, turned city into a Roman colony (Colonia Augusta Julia Philippensis), settled by Roman veterans.
In 49-50 AD, Paul the Apostle established the first Christian church on European soil at Philippi. The 2nd Century AD, was a prosperous time for Philippi, as can be seen from glorious buildings adorning city, including the renovated theatre. In Early Christian period the city grew into a major urban centre of Greek character and a sacred site of Christian pilgrimage.
The earthquake of 7th Century AD, combined with barbarian incursions, led to shrinking of city, whose inhabitants moved to acropolis from 8th-15th Century AD. Following Ottoman conquest, city was abandoned.
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