Research Institute - Bringing Archaeological Sites of the Mediterranean to Adelaide Project
Greece
Human occupation in Greece dates back to 40,000 BCE and the earliest known settlement on the Acropolis in Athens occurred around 3,500 BCE. The conquest by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE imposed this culture and philosophy on the lands that came under his jurisdiction, including the Middle East.
For the student of theology and the Bible, it is significant that Greek culture and philosophy influenced the first generation of Christians. During his second and third missionary journeys (50-58 CE), Paul travelled throughout Greece to its major cultural centres to preach about Jesus in a language that they could understand. It was in these centres -- cities like Athens, Corinth, Philippi, and Thessalonika -- that the message about Jesus, originally formulated in a Jewish world, was refashioned for a Greek-speaking audience.
Click on the small images below to view larger images:
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The western façade of the Parthenon, the Temple dedicated to Athena, constructed by Pericles in 447 BCE. The Parthenon dominates the Acropolis. |
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The agora (market place) of Athens with the 449 BCE Temple of Hephaistos (left). Originally a cemetery between the 15th and 7th centuries BCE, from the 6th century BCE the area gradually became the administrative and political centre of Athens. |
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Looking south-east to the 160 BCE theatre (right) and 6th century BCE Temple of Apollo (left) at Delphi, the famous cult centre for the goddess Ge or Gaia and, later, the god Apollo. |
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The main road in the middle of ancient Corinth leading to its northern harbour, Lechaion. Corinth was first visited by Paul in around 50CE. |
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The Via Ignatia, the road along which Paul travelled in Northern Greece, and the main overland trade route connecting Constantinople to Rome. |
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The 5th century cruciform baptistry in the church complex at the site of ancient Philippi in Northern Greece. |
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The contemporary reconstruction of the baptismal place on the site of the conversion and baptism of Lydia and her "household" by Paul (cf. Acts 16:11-15), a few hundred metres from ancient Philippi. |
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