The ancient city of Amphipolis was founded in 438/7 BC, in the era of Pericles, by the Athenian general Agnos, on the site of the older city of Idonida “Nine roads”. The founding of the city was a great success for the Athenians, whose permanent goal was to secure control of the rich hinterland of Strymons and the mines of Pangaeus.
However, at the end of the first decade of the Peloponnesian War (422 BC), Amphipolis seceded from the metropolis of Athens and remained an autonomous city until its incorporation into the Kingdom of Macedonia by Philip II (357 BC). The intense commercial life of the city is reflected in its rich series of coins and the establishment in it of a royal mint during the Macedonian era.
The Apostle Paul passed through there – via the Via Egnatia – in 49/50 AD, going from Philippi to Thessaloniki. As far as the archaeological site is concerned, the ancient wooden bridge, which connected the city of Amphipolis with its port, via the river Strymonas, is identical to the bridge mentioned by Thucydides that was captured by the Spartan general Brasidas in 424 BC.
Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis
The ancient walls, the Gymnasium, between the outer and inner enclosure of the walls, the Hellenistic House, the Macedonian tombs found in the wider area, the Roman Palace with the mosaic floors with mythological representations, the Early Christian Amphipolis located on the acropolis of the ancient city are included in the archaeological heritage of Amphipolis.
Findings from the ancient city reveal continuity of life from the Neolithic era up to the Byzantine years. In the vestibule of the exhibition, the silver reliquary and the golden wreath of olive leaves found in a box-shaped tomb, where the museum is now built, are displayed.
Opening hours 08.00 – 20.00. Ticket 6 euros (tel. 23220 32474).
Amphipolis, south of the prefecture of Serres, at the foot of Mount Pangaios and at the mouth of the river Strymonas, attracts the interest of the traveler, on the one hand, with the long history of the place and the ancient city, on the other hand, with the famous “Kasta” mound, the largest archaeological burial monument that came to light in August 2014, by archaeologist Katerina Peristeri.
Excavation revealed the entrance to the mound, where a doorway was found above which are two marble Sphinxes, whose heads and wings are missing. Inside the mound, on pessaries, two Caryatids were found carved, while in October 2014 a floor mosaic was found in the second chamber on the theme of the Abduction of Persephone by Pluto.
It should be noted that the first excavations of the Kasta hill were carried out in 1964, by the archaeologist Dimitris Lazaridis, when the perimeter of the mound was revealed. Excavations continued after 1971, but concentrated on the top of the hill.
The ancient theater of Philippi is a remarkable and important monument. It is located at the foot of the hill of the acropolis and rests on the eastern wall of the city of Philippi. The city went through different phases and the theater has undergone many changes over the centuries.
The first phase of the theater is during the time of Philip II in 356 BC. At that time the orchestra was shaped like a horseshoe.
At the time of the Roman colonization, changes were made to the theater to adapt to the demands of the new spectacles. In the 3rd AD century the theater turns into an arena for animal fights. The orchestra is paved with large marble slabs and a high wall is built to protect the spectators during the performance.
During the early Christian years the customs and manners of the world once again change and the theater is abandoned.
Today many elements from the theater are preserved.
Opposite the ancient theater are the ruins of the ancient city of Philippi. The city got its name in 356 BC. by Alexander the Great’s father, Philip II.
The perimeter of the city walls started from the top of the hill and as it progressed to the southern slope it enclosed a part of the plain at the foot of the hill. The oldest phase of the enclosure dates back to the time of Philip II and the newest to the years of Justinian I (527 – 565 AD). The total length of the perimeter of the walls reached 3.5 km. The wall was reinforced by strong towers. The three gates identified in the excavations were also flanked by towers. Only the latter is accessible to visitors, which is called by the excavators the gate of Neapolis, because the road to the port of Neapolis (today’s Kavala) started from it.
The archaeological site of Philippi can offer the visitor a mixed tour, since excavations have brought to light ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and early Christian periods. The octagon, the Roman market, the early Christian basilicas, parts of the city walls, are the most famous of them.
In the river Zygactis, west of ancient Philippi, where according to the account of the Evangelist Luke (Acts ch.f.11) accompanying Paul, the Apostle of the Nations baptized the first Greek-European Christian, Lydia Philippisia of Porphyropolida, whose Lord by grace he opened his heart to listen and understand Paul’s preaching.
The execution of the project of the Holy Church-Baptistry was undertaken by the architect engineer Christos Batsis following a pan-Hellenic Competition, based on the architectural plans of the late Metsov Polytechnic Mr. Ioannou Koumanoudis.
The project was completed in 1974 and handed over at the end of the same year.
The Church-Baptistry, with the very successful architectural designs of Mr. Ioannou Koumanoudis, a masterpiece, is designed according to the architectural standards of the Octagon. In the center of the octagon is the marble flask where infants are baptized. To the right and left of the octagon are the changing rooms for adult men and women where they prepare for Baptism.
ENVI Transfer Services
ENVI Transfer undertakes your transfer from Thessaloniki to Amphipolis, to Philippi and your return. Our vehicles (Mercedes-Benz) are state-of-the-art, spacious, air-conditioned and with comfortable seats, so that your trip is comfortable and relaxing. Our staff has many years of experience, is always willing to serve you and guarantees you a safe and pleasant trip.
Useful information
About the trip
- Amphipolis is about 1 hour away from Thessaloniki
- Philippi is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Thessaloniki and about 45 minutes from Amphipolis
- Just 15 km away from Philippi is the beautiful city of Kavala, where, if you want, you can drink coffee or dine
- A guide will give you more information about Macedonian history
