Publications
5 Archaeological fieldwork and research in Roman Macedonia: 2014–2024
Recent archaeological research in Roman-period Macedonia (2014–2024) has revealed a dynamic and interconnected landscape, challenging traditional models of rural habitation. Large-scale infrastructure projects, such as Thessaloniki’s Metro and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, exposed dense settlement patterns, sophisticated urban grids, monumental public architecture, and diverse burial grounds, highlighting the city's evolution from Hellenistic to Late Antiquity periods. Rural investigations uncovered small cemeteries, artisanal workshops, agricultural estates, and infrastructure, emphasizing continuous rural habitation, intensified agricultural activity, and advanced land management strategies. Interdisciplinary approaches, including geoarchaeology and bioarchaeology, further illuminated socio-economic networks and daily life in both urban and rural communities.
Molecular Characterization and Ex Situ Conservation of Wild Grapevines Grown in the Area Around the Neolithic Settlement of Dikili Tash, Greece
A recent archaeological excavation at the Neolithic settlement of Dikili Tash, near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Philippi in Greece, has uncovered charred grapevine pips and pressings dating back to 4300 BC. The majority of these pips were identified as Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris, a wild grapevine species that still thrives in the surrounding valley, Mt Pangaion, and Mt Lekani. Microsatellite analysis of 51 modern samples revealed their genetic relationships, providing insights into the historical distribution and conservation potential of this ancient species. Cuttings from these vines are now being cultivated ex situ at ELGO-DIMITRA's greenhouse facilities in Athens, aiming to establish Greece's first V. sylvestris conservation site. This research bridges archaeology and genetics, offering a window into Neolithic agricultural practices while advancing efforts to preserve wild grapevine biodiversity.
Digital Heritage Narrative: Principles and Practice. The Case of the UNESCO-Listed Archaeological Site of Philippi, Greece
A novel digital storytelling approach has been successfully applied to the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Site of Philippi, Greece, demonstrating its potential to elicit cognitive-emotional experiences and communicate cultural values effectively. The study introduces a multimedia eBook, 'Birthplace of the Empire,' which leverages socio-historical content, unexpected art momentum, and cognitive load management to create an engaging digital artwork. This approach inspires critical thinking and participatory practices among audiences, fostering a deeper connection with the site's multicultural and multigenerational significance. The research is part of the EU-funded project BSB/831/HERiPRENEURSHIP, aiming to upgrade heritage-based offers and create new investment opportunities in tourism and cultural industries.
Rock-Cut Monuments at Macedonian Philippi – Taking Image Analysis to the Religioscape
A groundbreaking study at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Philippi introduces a novel approach to analyzing rock-cut monuments, revealing their significant role within the city's religious landscape. By leveraging 3D modeling and spatial analysis, researchers have documented over 100 reliefs, predominantly featuring Artemis/Diana, providing unprecedented insights into their distribution, inter-visibility, and reachability. This method offers a more comprehensive understanding of the monuments' context and their potential for female ritual practices in ancient Macedon. The study also highlights the vulnerability of these archaeological sites to natural corrosion and vandalism, underscoring the importance of digital documentation for preservation and future research.
The Contribution of Information Technologies to the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage Monuments "The Case of Ancient Philippi, Greece"
A novel methodology, INBO (IN-DEX + BOOKLET), integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual and Augmented Reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has been developed to enhance the protection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This approach aims to improve real-time monitoring and emergency response for cultural heritage monuments, enabling timely and informed decision-making to prevent damage from natural or man-made hazards. The Ancient City of Philippi in Northern Greece serves as a pilot study for this methodology, demonstrating its potential effectiveness in safeguarding vulnerable heritage sites.
Martyria
Early Christian martyr shrines, known as martyria, emerged as significant cultic centers, but their archaeological study is hampered by limited pre-fourth-century evidence. This research bridges the gap between textual and archaeological records, revealing that while early descriptions from Smyrna and Rome provide insight into primitive practices, later fourth-century sites in Rome and Philippi show the expansion of martyria as focal points for Christian worship. The study highlights a caveat: smaller or private shrines may remain invisible to archaeology, suggesting a broader but underdocumented phenomenon.
Philippi: How Christianity Began in Europe By EduardVerhoef. London: Bloomsbury, 2013. Pp. xii+114. Paper, $29.95.
Archaeological research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Philippi, combined with historical analysis, reveals key insights into the early development and social structure of Christianity in Europe. Eduard Verhoef's work highlights that the first-century Philippian church was likely composed of working-class individuals, including Lydia, who may have owned a spacious home serving as a gathering place for believers. By integrating field visits to archaeological sites with regional inscriptions and artifacts, Verhoef estimates that Philippi had around 10,000 inhabitants during this period, providing a vivid context for understanding Paul's letter to the Philippians and Acts of the Apostles. The study underscores how archaeological evidence can bring ancient texts to life, offering a tangible glimpse into the early Christian community's size and social dynamics.
Strategic Participatory Planning in Archaeological Management in Greece: The Philippi Management Plan for Nomination to UNESCO’s World Heritage List
Strategic participatory planning in archaeological heritage management can significantly enhance the effectiveness of management plans, such as those for UNESCO World Heritage Site nominations. A case study from Philippi, Greece, reveals that conventional approaches often treat the management plan as an endpoint rather than a continuous process. The research identifies constraints and benefits of participatory planning, arguing for more critical evaluations to improve this approach in Greece and globally. This paper advocates for deeper analysis of the planning process itself to foster long-term improvements.
Chapter 20. Philippi
The archaeological site of Philippi reveals a significant cultural continuity between the Hellenistic and Roman periods, with no traces found of Thasian colonial structures built between 360-356 BC. Leon Heuzey's 1860 expedition marked its first systematic investigation, uncovering evidence that Augustus' Colonia Iulia Augusta Philippensis maintained urban organization aligned with its Hellenistic predecessor. This Roman colony thrived as a key administrative and agricultural center, controlling extensive surrounding lands through Neapolis port.
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