Philippi's Byzantine Fountain Unearthed, Reveals Marble-Paved Thoroughfare and Majestic Sculptures

Excavations in Philippi, a Macedonian city founded by Philip II, led by Aristotle University in September 2023, uncovered a richly decorated building with marble paving and a bronze coin indicating its use as a thoroughfare from the 2nd to the 9th century. The discovery of a head sculpture resembling Apollo and a statue of Hercules support the hypothesis of public space ornamentation in Byzantine Empire cities.

Unveiling the Splendid Decor of Philippi's Byzantine Fountain: A Marble-Paved Thoroughfare and Majestic Statues

In the hallowed grounds of Philippi, the Macedonian city founded by Philip II, archaeologists have embarked on a thrilling excavation journey, unearthing the remnants of a grand Byzantine fountain. Led by Professor Natalia Poulos of Aristotle University, in collaboration with Associate Professor Anastasios Tantsis and Emeritus Professor Aristotle Mendzo, the team's tireless efforts have yielded remarkable discoveries that shed light on the city's rich architectural heritage.

Excavations Resume, Uncovering a Marble-Paved Thoroughfare

Resuming their excavations east of the city's main southern thoroughfare, known as the "decumanus," the archaeologists unearthed the continuation of this marble-paved street. This discovery offers valuable insights into the city's urban planning and infrastructure. The presence of a bronze filis coin of Emperor Leo VI (886-912) found on the surface further aids in determining the period of the thoroughfare's usage.

An Expansion and a Richly Decorated Building Emerge

At the junction of the two streets, archaeologists stumbled upon an expansion that appears to have formed a square. Dominating this square was an intricately adorned building. Excavations in 2022 raised the hypothesis that this structure may have served as a fountain, a notion that is now strongly supported by the latest findings.

The Majestic Head of Apollo

One of the most remarkable discoveries was the head of a statue, believed to represent Apollo, the god of music and prophecy. This beautifully crafted head, adorned with a laurel leaf crown atop a richly decorated crown, dates back to the 2nd or early 3rd century AD. Its presence, along with the previously discovered statue of Hercules, suggests that these statues once adorned the fountain, which likely reached its final form in the 8th-9th centuries.

A Window into Byzantine Architectural Practices

These findings align with historical sources and archaeological evidence from Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, indicating that statues from classical and Roman periods adorned buildings and public spaces throughout the Byzantine era. This observation underscores the significance of public art in shaping the urban landscape of important Byzantine cities.

Preserving History and Enriching Our Understanding

The ongoing excavations in Philippi provide invaluable insights into the artistic and cultural practices of the Byzantine Empire. They not only unearth physical remnants of the past but also illuminate the social and cultural fabric of one of the most influential civilizations in history. The discovery of the fountain and its exquisite decoration adds a vibrant chapter to the rich tapestry of Byzantine history, offering a glimpse into the aesthetics, beliefs, and daily life of this remarkable era.

Additional Discoveries and Ongoing Excavations

In addition to the fountain discovery, the excavations have yielded other artifacts, including ceramics, coins, and architectural fragments, which are meticulously analyzed by the archaeological team. The research is ongoing, with plans for further summer excavations in 2024. These endeavors promise to uncover even more secrets hidden within the ancient city of Philippi, further enriching our understanding of the Byzantine Empire and its enduring legacy.