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Philippopolis

romansofbulgaria
Jan 7, 2015
2 min read

PHILIPPOPOLIS

Another city on our journey through Roman Thrace is today’s Plovdiv, raised over the ancient Philippopolis. The modern city is a descendant of the largest settlement in Ancient Thrace situated in Bulgaria. The original name of the settlement was Еumolpia. Later, the Thracians called it Pulpodeva after the name of the Macedonian king Philip, the Alexander the Great’s father. In 341 BC the king founded a town and named it after himself – Philippopolis, “the city of Philip”.

It was built up on the bank of Maritsa River (Hebros fluvius) and lay on the important Diagonal road from Singidunum (Belgrade) - Naisus (Nis) – Serdica (Sofia) – Philippopolis – Hadrianopolis (Edirne) – towards Byzantion/Constantinopolis (Istanbul). During the Roman age the town had another name - Trimontium, though, it did not become popular over the centuries. Other roads passed through it towards the Black Sea and the lands north of the Balkan (Haemus mons) heading towards the Danube River. Another, third road thoroughfare led southwestwards to the valley of Struma River (Strymon).

During the Roman age Philippopolis was the largest city in the province of Thrace. From the end of the 3rd century it became the capital of the newly founded province of Thrace (Thracia) in the diocese of Thrace.

The town was surrounded with a stone fortification built in 172 AD under Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The surrounded area was 70 hectares. The northeastern town gate is very imposing.

By means of archaeological surveys have been revealed: the town square (аgora/forum) with a few building stages; the treasury of the city (aedea thesaurorum); a public basilica (civic basilica); a large stadium. The sports facility seated 25 000 persons. Big athletic games were organized here, especially under the emperors Caracalla and Elagabalus. During the Gothic siege in 250 AD, the population was gathered on the stadium and this is where the famous letter by Emperor Decius was read out load to the people, giving them strength and courage to defend their city.

Up on the top of the Three Hills was discovered an exquisitely restored Roman theatre built in 116-117 AD. It is constructed to resemble the Anatolian theatres and housed over 3500 spectators. On special occasions the theatre and the stadium were adapted for gladiatorial fights and wild animal hunts.

Among the revealed Roman structures there are two bathing complexes, thermae.

There were plenty of temples and sanctuaries in the city. The most revered god was Apollo with his Thracian eponym “Кеndrosos”. A synagogue has also been excavated.

The population of the town and its surroundings was of various ethnicities – Thracians, Greeks, Anatolians, Roman citizens, veterans from different parts of the Empire.

Philippopolis was also the headquarters of the National Assembly of the Thracians (Koinon ton Thrakon).

The local mint struck coins from the age of Domitian (81-96 AD) to that of Elagabalus (218-222 AD).

The town was attacked and savaged multiple times, especially by Goths and Huns.

Philippopolis is one of the centers of the spread of Early Christianity.

Prof. Rumen Ivanov