Byzantine, Roman, Hellenistic Thessaloniki

Who founded Thessaloniki and when?

Cassander in 315 BCE.

Why was the city founded?

To establish Cassander’s presence in the region as a new king.

How was the city formed?

Unified/incorporated 26 pre-existing settlements around the Thermaic Gulf into a single, fortified city.

Who was Thessaloniki named after?

Cassander’s wife, Thessaloniki, daughter of Philip II and half-sister of Alexander the Great.

What urban planning system was used?

The Hippodamian system: vertical and horizontally aligned streets, all vertical streets led to the sea.

What was the Tetrarchy?

A system dividing the Roman Empire into four parts to avoid power struggles.

Who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire?

• Augustus: Diocletian

• Caesar: Galerius

Why is Galerius important to Thessaloniki?

He selected it as his imperial capital and built the Galerian Palace Complex.

Structures in the Galerian Palace Complex:

• Palace of Galerius

• Rotunda

• Arch of Galerius

• Octagon

• Hippodrome

• Via Regia

• City Walls

• Paved Dimitriou Gounari Street (Navarino street)

What major trade route was Thessaloniki located on?

Via Egnatia, connecting Constantinople to Rome

Who arrived in Thessaloniki in 40/50 CE?

Apostle Paul, to spread Christianity.

Why was Thessaloniki economically important?

It was a major port and had its own mint.

What was Thessaloniki’s status in the Byzantine Empire?

It was the co-reigning city, second only to Constantinople.