Ubi Paulus et Sileas in carcere fuerunt. Sacral topography, civic memory, and Christianisation in Philippi

Journal article

This paper discusses the impact of Christianity on the formation of civic identity, focusing on the example of Philippi in Macedonia. It is argued that the narrative offered by the city through its monumental and sacred topography was retailored in the early fourth century, so as to include the story of the Apostle Paul’s mission and suffering. The construction of the early fourth-century Christian shrine known as the Basilica of Paul is interpreted as a manifestation of a dialogue among the city of Philippi, the local Christian community, and the emperor Constantine. The Philippians invested in the founder of the local church, Paul the Apostle, in order to promote their city as a significant Christian centre, in a privileged relationship with the Christian imperial regime. The celebration of the city’s connection with the Apostle continued throughout Late Antiquity, and was expanded through the construction in c. AD 500 of a second shrine in his honour, Basilica A. A new reading of this complex reveals thus far overlooked aspects of the cult of Paul at Philippi.

Authors: Rizos, E

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Aschendorffsche Verlagsbuchhandlung
• Journal: Jahrbuch fur Antike und Christentum
• Volume: 62
• Pages: 94-117
• Publication date: 2020-12-21
• Acceptance date: 2020-02-04
• ISSN: 0075-2541
• ISBN: 978-3-402-10715-7
• Language: English