As announced in 2018 (see: Improving the archaeological site of Philippi), the disaffected asphalt road in Philippi that separated the theater and Paul’s prison in the older part from the Byzantine churches and the Roman houses in the lower section has been removed.
Excavations on that portion of Philippi have not started yet but a geophysical survey was carried out providing the necessary information on where to dig. It appears that traces of a number of hitherto unknown public buildings have been found, including vertical roads that once connected the theater with the ancient Via Egnatia.
In the present state, archaeologists hope to find galleries and staircases that connect both parts of the city, including objects of daily use.
The archaeologists expect to change the overall picture of Philippi once the new entrance at the so-called Gate of Neapolis at the junction of the car park and the disaffected asphalt road is completed. To this effect, the existing concrete bridge will be demolished and the adjacent city walls restored.
Once this is done, future visitors will be able to access the ancient city over a comfortable cobblestone pathway running about one meter above the remains of the Via Egnatia. This road will lead them to the staircase descending to the Octagon with its precious floor mosaics.
At present, the three-aisled Basilica B from 550 AD is undergoing a thorough restoration. The marble arches will be reinforced and a first attempt will be made to reconstruct the Basilica’s interior which was destroyed when the dome collapsed during its construction. In the process, the delicate capitals of the columns will be consolidated.
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