Ancient Philippi, a prominent Greek city situated northwest of the nearby island of Thasos, was originally named Crenides upon its establishment by Thasian colonists in 360/359 BC. King Philip II of Macedon renamed the city in 356 BC. The ancient Philippi was abandoned in the 14th century following the Ottoman conquest of the Byzantine Empire. Today, the village of Crenides is located near the ruins of the ancient city and is part of the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region in Northern Greece. The archaeological site, renowned for its exceptional Roman architecture, urban layout mirroring Rome on a smaller scale, and significance in early Christianity, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

Ancient Philippi: the Macedonian legacy

The Macedonian conquerors sought to control the neighboring gold mines and establish a garrison at a strategically important passage. The site commanded the route between the cities of Amphipolis and Neapolis, forming part of the renowned Via Egnatia, a major east-west road across Macedonia reconstructed by the Roman Republic in the 2nd century BC. King Philip II fortified the ancient Philippi, partially blocking the passage between the swamp and Mount Orbelos, and ordered colonists to inhabit it.

He also partially drained the marsh, as attested by the writer Theophrastos. Ancient Philippi maintained its autonomy within the kingdom of Macedon and possessed its own political institutions, similar to many cities of that era. The discovery of new gold mines near the city, at Asyla, contributed to the kingdom’s wealth, leading Philip to establish a mint there. The Macedonian kingdom fully integrated the city during the later years of the king’s reign (221 to 179 BC).

Ancient Philippi: the Roman era

During the Third Macedonian War (168 BC), when the Romans destroyed the Antigonid dynasty of Macedon, they divided the kingdom into four separate states. Amphipolis, rather than Philippi, became the capital of the eastern Macedonian state. While little is known about the city during this period, archaeological remains include walls, the Greek theater, the foundations of a house beneath the Roman Forum, and a small temple dedicated to the city’s founder hero, Ehekestos.

The ancient Philippi resurfaces in historical sources during the Liberators’ Civil War (43-42 BC) that followed the assassination of Julius Caesar. In October 42 BC, Caesar’s heirs Mark Antony and Octavian confronted the forces of the assassins Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi on the plain west of the city. Antony and Octavian emerged victorious, defeating the partisans of the Republic.

They subsequently released some of their veteran soldiers, likely from Legion XXVIII, to colonize the city, reestablishing it as Colonia Victrix Philippensium. Octavian, who established his control of the Roman state in 30 BC and became Roman Emperor in 27 BC, reorganized the colony and established more settlers, including veterans and civilians. The city was renamed Colonia Iulia Philippensis and then Colonia Augusta Iulia Philippensis in January 27 BC, when Octavian received the title Augustus from the Roman Senate. Following the renaming, the territory of Philippi was centuriated and distributed to the Roman colonists.

The city retained its Macedonian walls and general layout, with modifications resulting from the construction of a forum slightly to the east of the Greek agora. Governed by two military officers appointed directly from Rome, Philippi was a “miniature Rome” under Roman municipal law. The colony’s prosperity was closely tied to the mines that contributed to its privileged position on the ancient road of Via Egnatia. Numerous monuments attest to its wealth, including the imposing forum and theater, as well as an Explore Philippi archaeological site at your own pace

Ancient Philippi tours from Thessaloniki

Ancient Philippi visits for small groups offered by Thessaloniki day trips. Ideal private and guided day trips to Philippi from Thessaloniki or Kavala port. All our Thessaloniki private day trips can accommodate your group in one of our minivan (max 6 guests), or Mercedes Sprinter minibus (max 12 guests). We can start your private tour from any location, including all Thessaloniki hotels or from Thessaloniki Port for our guests from United States, arriving via cruise ship. We also pick up from the SKG Thessaloniki International Airport or Airbnb Vacation Rental for a small fee. Philippi is 180km form Thessaloniki and our Philippi day trip is a full day round trip, covering about 400km or 250 miles.

Your chauffeur and local guide

Michael E. Nalbantis is both your driver and local guide for all your Thessaloniki day trips. Thessaloniki born and grown, English speaking and a Google Maps local guide level seven. Also available licensed tour guides for the ancient Philippi archaeological site and monuments upon timely request at an extra cost.

Availability & rates

For more info (availability – rates) on our Philippi private tours from Thessaloniki, please click here or simply call Michael at +306976888113 (WhatsApp available)

Also available SKG Airport pick-ups & drop offs upon request.