Greece

Historical Background

Thessalonica was located at the intersection of two major Roman roads, one leading from Italy eastward (Ignatia Way) and the other from the Danube to the Aegean. Thessalonica’s location and use as a port made it a prominent city. In 168 B.C. it became the capital of the second district of Macedonia and later it was made the capital and major port of the whole Roman province of Macedonia (146 B.C.). In 42 B.C., after the battle at Philippi, Thessalonica was made a free city.

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Acropolis

Occupation at the acropolis dates back to prehistoric times. A Mycenaean palace sat here in the Late Bronze Age and it served as a political and religious center in the Archaic period. The acropolis was dedicated to religious functions only in Classical times. Following the Classical period, this area was always a key military position, the first part of the city taken during invasions (e.g., by the Franks, Venetians, Turks, Bavarians).

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Harbor of Piraeus

Most scholars believe that Paul traveled to Athens by boat from Berea and thus it is likely that he entered the city through its large port of Piraeus.

The port was originally built in the 5th c. B.C. and still thrives today. In ancient times Piraeus was connected to Athens (6 mi. distant) by the Long Walls, two parallel walls 600 feet apart. more >>

City Wall with Gate, 5th century B.C.

Just north of the Aegean Sea sat Amphipolis, a city of northeastern Macedonia. It was approximately 30 miles (45 km) southwest of Philippi and 5 miles (8 km) inland of the port city Eion. The city was best known for its oil, timber, wine, figs, gold, silver, and woolen textiles. Thracians first founded this site, a strategic military and commercial location, in the 5th century B.C.

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Gangitis River

Philippi apparently had only a small number of Jewish inhabitants and no synagogue. Consequently Shabbat worship was held outside the city on the Gangitis River. Here Paul met a group of women to whom he preached the gospel. Lydia, a merchant trading purple cloth, believed Paul's message and was baptized with members of her household. Subsequently Paul went and lived at her home.

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Temple of Zeus

Olympia was a sacred precinct of Peloponnese located near the crossing of the Alpheios and Kladeos rivers. Evidence points to cultic activity at Olympia since the 11th century B.C. The site was most noted for its festival of Zeus, which included the renowned Olympic Games. Structures at Olympia included temples, housing for priests and others involved in the Games, and public buildings actually used for the Games themselves. At the festival, the Ekecheiria, or Olympic Truce, was pronounced. Competitors from a number of cities competed for the wild olive crown, which would bring honor to his city of origin.

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