Bring your own cushion! |
One of the perks of living in southeastern Europe is the opportunity to easily visit a number of interesting places. This past weekend I traveled with some friends to Greece for a couple of days. While we stayed at a seaside hotel in Thessaloniki, we spent our first day tromping around the ancient city of Philippi. I decided to recount my experience for my readers.
Today is
part one of a two-part post. Today I’m sharing the pictures of Philippi. You’ll
remember the apostle Paul preached the gospel in Philippi. He visited the city
several times.
The city is an active
archeological site. Our first glimpse of the dig was a large stone wall. Past
the wall is the theater. There was a school group on a field trip there the day
we visited. I doubt they appreciated the ruins as much as I did.
Before we walked the
alleyways and explored the city, four of us took on the challenge to climb the
mountain to the fortress looming above. The views were beautiful. I couldn’t
help but think of how Tom would have enjoyed the construction of the stone
fortress and the hike to get there.
As we descended we could
see the ruins spread out before us.
The Roman road, Via
Egnatia, constructed in the 2nd century BC crossed several provinces of the
Roman Empire. Paul traveled this road. Amazing.
The Doorframe gives you an idea of the size of the buildings. Obviously, for the Romans "Bigger is Better."
Archeologists have dug up
some earthen pots that are virtually intact. The city had been attacked several
times. It was greatly damaged and abandoned. Eventually it was completely
destroyed by an earthquake.
The
ancient Roman community had toilets and a septic system. The men would
congregate at the toilet in the morning and conduct business. Maybe that's
where the term "taking care of business" comes from. I’m told wealthy
men sent slaves ahead of them to sit on the toilet to warm the stone seat for
them before they got there.
The city
boasted a library. All that seems to be left of it though is the stone sign. I
loved strolling past the marketplace. The stone stalls still stand (say that
five times fast) and it is easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of every day
life along this side of the town.
There were many places along the way where I stood in awe of the place only knew before through biblical accounts. It proved to be the sort of experience that makes you catch your breath and threatens to bring tears to your eyes. A place a wonder.
There were many places along the way where I stood in awe of the place only knew before through biblical accounts. It proved to be the sort of experience that makes you catch your breath and threatens to bring tears to your eyes. A place a wonder.
I stood
on the stone floor of what was likely a home. I couldn’t help but imagine Paul
or Silas standing in that very spot thinking of all that was, all
that is, and all that could be in the sunny Greek city of Philippi.
The site of the Library |
Look across the city and up the hill. Far away you will see the fortress! |
Write it on the doorframe... |
Via Egnatia |
Join me as I spend these next months in Kosova (the Albanian pronunciation for Kosovo) in Southeastern Europe. Each week I’ll share my experiences. Leave your comments and questions below. I’ll try to address each as best I can.