What was ancient Thessalonica known for?
The city is renowned for its festivals, events and vibrant cultural life in general, and is considered to be Greece’s cultural capital. An important metropolis by the Roman period, Thessaloniki was the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire.
Where was Thessalonica in Bible times?
Thessalonica (also Thessalonike) was an ancient city of Macedon in northern Greece which today is the city of Thessaloniki.
What religion is Thessaloniki?
Greek Orthodox churches
Walking through the streets of Thessaloniki you come across, not only many Greek Orthodox churches, but monasteries as well, since it is one of the first cities in Europe Apostle Paul taught, leaving back an ancient religious legacy.
When was Thessalonica founded?
around 315 BC
The town was founded around 315 BC by King Cassander of Macedon, on or near the site of the ancient town of Therma and twenty-six other local villages. King Cassander of Macedon named the new city after his wife Thessalonike, a half-sister of Alexander the Great.
When did Salonika become Thessaloniki?
“Every man in the last war did not know it as Salonika.” Mr. Wilks of Newbury tried to calm matters by helpfully pointing out that in 1937 “by Greek royal decree, Salonika reverted to Thessaloniki.” In fact it had been officially known by the Greek form since the Ottomans were defeated in 1912.
Where is biblical Philippi today?
The present municipality, Filippoi, is located near the ruins of the ancient city and is part of the region of East Macedonia and Thrace in Kavala, Greece. It was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.
Did the Apostle Paul ever return to Thessalonica?
1 Thessalonians 2:17–18. Paul had not been back to Thessalonica after he was driven out during his second missionary journey (see Acts 17:10). He said he had been unable to return because he was “hindered” by Satan from doing so (1 Thessalonians 2:18).
What is the conflict between Greece and Turkey?
Since then, the two countries have faced each other in four major wars—the Greco-Turkish War (1897), the First Balkan War (1912-1913), the First World War (1914-1918), and finally the Greco-Turkish War (1919–22), which were followed by the Greco-Turkish population exchange and a period of friendly relations in the …
What religion did ancient Rome have?
The Roman Empire was a primarily polytheistic civilization, which meant that people recognized and worshiped multiple gods and goddesses. Despite the presence of monotheistic religions within the empire, such as Judaism and early Christianity, Romans honored multiple deities.
Is Thessaloniki a Greek island?
Thessaloniki is the second biggest city in Greece and it is located in the north of the country. From the port of Thessaloniki, you can travel by ferry to the North Aegean islands, the Sporades, the Cyclades and Crete.
Who was with Paul in Thessalonica?
Paul, speaking for himself, Silas, and Timothy, gives thanks for the news about their faith and love; he reminds them of the kind of life he had lived while he was with them.
Where is the biblical city of Antioch?
Syria
Antioch, Turkish Antakya, populous city of ancient Syria and now a major town of south-central Turkey. It lies near the mouth of the Orontes River, about 12 miles (19 km) northwest of the Syrian border. Antioch was founded in 300 bce by Seleucus I Nicator, a former general of Alexander the Great.
What is the history of Thessaloniki?
The history of the city of Thessaloniki is a long one, dating back to the ancient Greeks (Macedonians). Today with the opening of borders in Southeastern Europe it is currently experiencing a strong revival, serving as the prime port for the northern Greek regions of Macedonia and Thrace, as well as for the whole of Southeastern Europe .
Who built the first church in Thessaloniki?
The church was first built by the Roman sub-prefect of Illyricum, Leontios, in 463. Other important remains from this period include the Arch and Tomb of Galerius, located in the city centre of the modern Thessaloniki.
How many letters did Paul write to the church at Thessaloniki?
The three men eventually continued their travels, and Paul wrote two letters to the new church at Thessaloniki, probably between 51 and 53, the First Epistle to the Thessalonians and the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians. In 306, Thessaloníki acquired a patron saint, St. Demetrius.
When did Thessaloniki become a free city?
In 42 BC, after the battle at Philippi, Thessalonica was made a free city. Today the modern city of Thessaloniki is the second most important city of Greece and home to a million inhabitants.