Archaeologist Reveals Amazing Discoveries at Greece’s Philippi

The archaeological site of Philippi in northeastern Greece continues to bring forth exquisite new discoveries that fascinate experts and the general public alike. These shed light on the rich Hellenistic, Roman, early Christian, and Byzantine history of this important urban center of Greece.

Recent excavations in 2022 and 2023, led by Professor Natalia Poulou from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), director of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki excavation, have uncovered several significant finds. Among the most astonishing ones are exquisite marble statues of Heracles and the head of Apollo, likely dating to the 2nd or 3rd century AD.

The latest phase of the excavation, which has been organized and funded by Greece’s AUTH, was led by Professor Poulou, along with Assistant Professor Anastasios Tantsis and Emeritus Professor Aristotle Menzos. An additional 18 AUTH students—eleven of whom were undergraduates, two postgraduates, and two PhD candidates—took part in the most recent excavation. Nick Theodoridis, who spoke to Greek Reporter about this fascinating excavation, explained the importance of the discoveries.

The latest discoveries in Greece’s Philippi

The archaeological site of Philippi has been excavated for more than a century. The Aristotle University has a long history of excavating the city of Philippi. In 2023, the scientific team from AUTH, which was completing the latest phase of this project near the intersection of two main roads in the city center, revealed a beautiful widened square dominated by a lushly decorated structure.

According to evidence discovered by experts who took part in the project, this structure was most probably a fountain. Within this complex, the archaeological team of Aristotle University also discovered the stunning marble head of a statue depicting the Greek god Apollo.

Speaking exclusively with Greek Reporter, PhD candidate Nick Theodoridis, archaeologist and field supervisor of the excavation, explained the head was identifiable by his youthful appearance and laurel leaf crown, elements that pointed towards the Greek god Apollo. The head likely belonged to a larger statue that adorned the fountain, which reached its final form in the 8th to 9th centuries AD.

The previous excavation year, in 2022, the team had uncovered another impressive statue in the same area. At that time, it was a depiction of Heracles (Hercules in Latin) as a young man, carrying a club and lion pelt. According to Theodoridis, this discovery was truly fascinating. ”The statue was impressive and was almost found intact,” he said. “The moment we discovered it was truly emotional and became an instant reminder of the importance of this project.”

Both the Apollo and Heracles statues probably date to the 2nd or 3rd century AD and were part of the fountain decorations in the Byzantine era. This is proof of the city’s long history and continued appreciation for classical art.

Theodoridis explained this discovery was particularly exceptional. It proved, he said, that “the public—as well as private—spaces of Philippi too, among other cities, were decorated and adorned with ancient Greek statues late into the Byzantine period.” Theodoridis added that there is archaeological evidence this was also the case in Constantinople, where ancient Greek statues continued to be used to adorn places, both in public and private spaces.

“This important discovery serves as proof that this was also happening in Philippi, something particularly important for the history and the place this city held during the Byzantine period,” Theodoridis noted.

Theodoridis also underscored the importance of AUTH’s decision to educate undergraduate and postgraduate students in the entire project of Philippi, giving them real-life archaeological experience. “Every year, a significant number of students participate in the excavations, something that makes the moment of a discovery much more beautiful,” he said.

When asked why the University does this, Theodoridis explained that, as these students take their first steps in the fascinating world of archaeology, important discoveries are a great source of joy and motivation for the students.

Theodoridis also told Greek Reporter that other notable finds from recent excavations in the broader area of Philippi include a marble-paved road, where a coin from the reign of Emperor Leo VI (886-912 AD) helped date it to the Byzantine period. “These roads are very well preserved,” the archaeologist explained.

The discovery of these latest well-preserved statues and architectural features shows the importance of Philippi as a prosperous city from the Hellenistic through the Byzantine eras. It is also indicative of its importance in the broader area of northern Greece.

Why was the city of Philippi important?

Philippi was an ancient city located in Greece’s eastern Macedonia. It had a particularly rich history spanning the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

Founded in 360 BC by Greek colonists from the nearby island of Thasos, the city was soon taken over by Philip II of Macedon, who renamed it after himself and fortified it. The Macedonian King and father of Alexander the Great realized the importance of its location and recognized its strategic and economic importance.

Under Macedonian rule, Philippi prospered for centuries until the Romans conquered it in 168 BC. The Romans annexed the city when they took control of the broader region of Macedonia. It later became a Roman colony after the pivotal Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, which marked the final end of the Roman Republic and set the stage for the transition of Rome to a monarchy under Octavian, the future Emperor Augustus.

The city flourished under Roman control, benefiting from its important location on the Via Egnatia trade route. Christianity began spreading in Philippi around 49 to 50 AD. It was that time when the Apostle Paul visited the city during his second missionary journey, as recorded in the New Testament’s book of Acts.

A crucial moment of this visit was when Paul baptized Lydia, a wealthy merchant and dealer in purple cloth. Lydia remained in history because she was the first documented convert to Christianity on European soil.

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She hosted Paul and his companions in her own home, which served as a meeting place for the growing Christian community of the broader area of Philippi. Paul later wrote his Epistle to the Philippians, one of the earliest Christian texts. The Apostle addressed the church he had founded there.

Following this historic event, the city became an important center of early Christianity with several impressive churches and basilicas constructed in the following Byzantine era. Among them were the Octagonal Church and the Basilica of Paul. Both of these were built on the site where Paul was believed to have preached.

These archaeological remains, along with the biblical account of the visit of Saint Paul and the conversion of Lydia, are real proof of the significant role Philippi played in the spread of Christianity in Europe.

“This period of Philippi is crucial,” Theodoridis commented. “We have people visiting the city from all over the world; hundreds of tourists from Korea visit Philippii every year for example,” he explained, showcasing the importance of the route of Apostle Paul for devout Christians around the world.

The recent archaeological excavations at the ancient city of Philippi have uncovered remarkable finds, which shed new light on the area’s as well as Greece’s overall rich history spanning the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

These important discoveries, along with the well-preserved architectural features that have already been discovered, highlight the importance of Philippi as a prosperous city and significant epicenter of early Christianity. We can only hope for even more fascinating discoveries in the near future.