Amphipolis - Philippi Kavalas - Kavala
In the age of the Macedonians, Amphipolis emerged as a powerful city of the
Macedonian kingdom with internal autonomy and with significant economic and
cultural flourishing. Excavations have revealed much of the walls and some of
the sanctuaries and private and public buildings of the city. After the conquest
of Macedonia by the Romans (168 BC), Amphipolis was designated the capital of the
First Part of Macedonia.
The Roman Era is for Amphipolis a period of prosperity within the context of
the Roman world empire. Station of the Egnatia Road and capital of a rich hinterland,
the city is developing economically and culturally. Of course, it has known
destruction and looting, but with the support of the Roman emperors, especially
Augustus and Hadrian, it remained one of the important urban centers of Macedonia
until late antiquity. The heyday of the city is reflected in the monumental
buildings with their mosaic floors and frescoes
Philippi was an ancient city of Eastern Macedonia with the original name of
Krinides, located in the current prefecture of Kavala. The Apostle Paul founded
the first Christian Church on European soil in Philippi. The area of Philippi
has been inhabited continuously by indigenous people since the Neolithic Age at least.
The history of the Philippi settlement begins in 360/359 BC when settlers from
Thassos found the first city, Krinides. When in 356 BC they are threatened by
the Thracians, they ask for the help of Philip II (father of Alexander the Great).
He, foreseeing the economic and strategic importance of the city, occupies it,
fortifies it and renames it Philippi.
