New findings at ancient Philippi
New findings at ancient Philippi as recent excavations at Philippi, undertaken in conjunction with the installation of a fire protection system, have unearthed a wealth of archaeological treasures. These discoveries are shedding new light on the daily life and evolution of this ancient city. Over the past year, the ongoing works at the archaeological site have revealed both small and significant “secrets” of the ancient city, corroborating decades of scientific archaeological studies regarding the magnificent structures that adorned it and the justified fame it acquired after its founding (in 356 B.C) by King Philip of Macedon. Get to know more on new findings at ancient Philippi.
New findings at ancient Philippi: Statues, baths and dwellings
Among the finds, archaeologists have identified a large public building with a built-in statue of a young male figure, sections of the city’s roads, thermae (public baths) dating back to the Roman and early Christian periods, workshops, and houses. Stavroula Dadaki, Director of the Kavala-Thasos Ephorate of Antiquities, stated to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA) “this project has enabled us to confirm the results of geophysical surveys carried out as part of another project under the direction of Professor G. Tsokas of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as well as of earlier excavations.
This method, which detects buried walls, has yielded impressive results at Philippi and has greatly assisted us in routing the pipeline so as not to damage any antiquities. At the same time, the fire protection project has provided us with new data on the city’s multifaceted history after the 6th century AD, disproving the previous assumption that Philippi was abandoned during this period.”
A Surge in Visitors in 2024
The archaeological site of Philippi, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2016, is one of the sites that has seen a significant increase in visitors since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Fire Protection of the Archaeological Site
The construction of the fire protection system was not an easy task. It required numerous studies, systematic work, and painstaking effort by the Ephorate’s staff. According to Ms. Dadaki, “every time the contractor encountered points of archaeological interest during the excavation process, a new route had to be plotted for the pipelines. In one case, the pipelines were specially constructed to pass over an ancient wall in a “U” shape so as not to damage it, while in only two instances, in a network of pipelines approximately 2 km long, did four partially damaged walls need to be partially demolished.”
Source: www.flash.gr
Photo credits: www.amna.gr
Philippi private tours
Philippi Saint Paul tours for couples and small groups of friends for up to 12 travelers. Ideal private pilgrimage tours from Thessaloniki to Saint Paul related sites in the entire region. Our tours are private and not joined or shared with strangers, bus tours. For more info (availability – rates) on our Philippi day trips from Thessaloniki, please click here or simply contact Michael at +306976888113 WhatsApp available
Philippi’s historical importance extends far beyond the realms of politics and warfare. The city played a pivotal role in the spread and establishing of Christianity. According to the Book of Acts, Apostle Paul visited Philippi, where he converted Lydia into the first European Christian. The city became a focal point for early Christian communities, and its archaeological remains, including early Christian basilicas and Saint Paul’s prison cell, bear witness to this significant chapter in global religious history.
Your chauffeur and local guide
Michael E. Nalbantis is both your private driver and local guide for your pilgrimage journey to Philippi. Thessaloniki born and grown, English speaking and a Google maps local guide level seven. Also available licensed tour guides for archaeological sites and museums upon request at an extra cost.
Limited availability
For more info (availability – rates) on our day trips from Thessaloniki, please click here or simply contact Michael at +306976888113 WhatsApp available
SKG Thessaloniki Airport pickups & drop offs, also available upon request.
For more info on our Thessaloniki day trips, please click here