A bus to Phillipi

Kevala is home to the ancient state of Macedonia, best known for Greece's one expansionist ruler, Alexander the Great. He is honoured by the city of Alexandropolous, but his father, Phillip, was also an important leader who worked to unify Greece rather than allow it to remain a collection of city states. Phillip was asked by the state of Thassos to protect their new colony near Kevala. Phillip did that by conquering the town and naming it after himself, hence Phillipi. We took the bus to the ruins of Phillipi, about 17km out of Kevala.

Overview of the site at Phillipi

Old stones, old stones, a view of the Roman Forum

Greek Corinthian plinth

Phillipi is interesting due to the conflux of classical Greek, Roman and early Christian influences.  The photo's above show a roman style forum (or marketplace), with the classical square bounded by two major roads. The photo's below show a Greek temple, with classical columns.

Greek temple at Phillipi

Gorgeous colour in the stones

There is plenty of evidence for the high culture at the time. Lots of carving and artwork, along with decorative mosaics and tiling.

Shield and spear carved into the stone

Megan with pediment

Decorative stone tiling on pathway

The other claim to fame for Phillipi is as the 'landing place' for Christianity in Europe. St Paul was the first apostle to land on Greek soil, and he did so at Phillipi. It was the early 'breeding ground' for Christianity in Europe and around 300 AD, Christianity was proclaimed the state religion. The early worship structure (predating more traditional church designs) is called the Octagon, for its shape. It was built over an earlier Macedonian tomb.

Colonade leading to the Octagon

Wall of the first European church

Mosaic floor of the Octagon church 

Megan recovering from the heat near the underground Macedonian tomb

Over the road, there were more Greek ruins, and a road that lead around to the museum, holding finds from the site.

More Greek ruins

Path to the museum

The museum held some beautiful remains, from neolithic and bronze age dwellings, down to Greek and Roman statuary and glassware. Some photo's from the museum follow.

Early Greek pottery

A bust of Phillip II

Bronze mask fragment

Beautiful drapery carving

The minor deity, Pan. Note the hairy goaty legs.

Testament to the high culture of this settlement

Unknown bust

Fine stone work on Corinthian pediment

More decorative carving

Museum displayed the pieces well, unusual for Greece.

Delicate Greek glassware, early AD

More pottery

and some large outdoor amphorae

A view of the museum, just above the site

It was an interesting day well spent, but to balance the bout of antiquity, we're off to a 'Blues and Bike Festival' held at a beach resort down the coast on Friday. So here's boogie to ya!