Excavations Unearth Ancient Apollo Head, Unveiling Byzantine City's Legacy

During excavations at the Philippi archaeological site in Greece, researchers from Aristotle University discovered a 2nd or early 3rd century AD head, likely depicting Apollo, adorned with a laurel wreath. This significant finding, made near the intersection of the decumanus and Via Egnatia, also included a Byzantine Emperor Leo VI coin, indicating the building's usage duration.

Excavations at Philippi Unearth Ancient Head of Apollo, Revealing Byzantine City's Cultural Legacy

During excavations at the ancient city of Philippi in northeastern Greece, researchers from Aristotle University have made a remarkable discovery that sheds light on the city's rich history and its transformation during the Byzantine era.

The discovery of a 2nd or early 3rd century AD head is believed to be a representation of Apollo, the Greek god of music, poetry, and prophecy. Carved in marble, the head depicts a beardless male figure adorned with a wreath of laurels, a characteristic attribute of Apollo.

Excavated in September 2022 from an area east of the southern main street (decumanus) and the northern axis (Via Egnatia), the head provides tantalizing glimpses into the site's architectural grandeur. The surrounding area revealed a partially exposed square dominated by an elaborately decorated building.

Further evidence of the site's significance emerged with the unearthing of a coin bearing the likeness of Byzantine Emperor Leo VI (886-912) on a nearby marble-paved road. This coin serves as a crucial time-marker, indicating the duration of the building's use.

The Culture Ministry of Greece highlighted the discovery's historical significance, noting the widespread use of statues during the Byzantine period to embellish buildings and public spaces in prominent cities like Philippi. The city, founded in 356 BC, was strategically located on the Via Egnatia, a major trade route linking Europe and Asia, making it a bustling hub of commerce and culture.

This recent discovery at Philippi underscores the enduring legacy of Greece's ancient heritage and the continuity of its cultural traditions throughout the Byzantine era. It also reinforces the significance of the region as a crossroads of civilization, where the influences of both the classical and Roman worlds converge with the Byzantine era's distinctive artistic and architectural expressions.

The research team continues to analyze the findings and delve deeper into the history of this ancient site, promising further insights into the rich tapestry of Philippi's past.