http://www.TravelsWithSheila.com Filippi or Philippi is the most important archaeological site in eastern Macedonia and was founded by Philip II, King of Macedonia in 356 BC. The important town controlled the Via Egnatia, and was located near gold mines, We spent several hours here walking around the huge expanse of ruins and beginning in the Macedonian-Roman section at the small theater that once held 5,000 spectators. Enlarged by the Romans, elaborate reliefs indicate that the building was initially used for traditional theatrical performances but later modified to accommodate gladiator fights with wild beasts. Highlights in this section: the Forum, market area, and public speaker's spot. Feel like making a speech about anything? Obamacare for example? This is where you would go. Our guide didn't say a word about an important battle which took place here in 42 BC. Mark Antony ("the" Mark Antony) and Octavian, who later became Emperor Augustus, defeated Brutus and Cassius (leading assassins of Julius Caesar) when Imperial Rome battled Republican Rome.

• published: 27 Oct 2013
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