Plovdiv

Plovdiv is a city located on both banks of the river Maritsa in the Plovdiv Region of south central Bulgaria.
It became the Roman city of Philippopolis after 72 BCE in the Province of Thracia. The Roman Theatre is still in use today.

Historically it was known as Philippopolis, meaning Philip’s City, after Philip II of Macedon conquered the town in the 4th century BCE.
It is known as ‘The city of the seven hills’ because it is surrounded by seven hills and is located in a fertile region.
It became the capital of the Province of Thracia during the early 3rd century CE, replacing Perinthus.
Battle of Phillipopolis (250 CE)
- The Battle of Philippopolis (Plovdiv), also known as the Siege of Philippopolis, took place in 250 or 251 CE. It was fought by Rome during the Gothic Invasions of 249-253 CE, but the city fell before Decius could arrive.

The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis:
- An Amphitheatre seating 5-7,000 people. Still in use today. Built under Domitian during the 90’s CE.
Roman Stadium:
- Built during the reign of Hadrian (117-138 CE), it was based on the Stadium at Delphi, and seated 30,000 people.
Roman Odeon:
- A smaller Theatre, seating 350 people, built during the second to fourth centuries CE, initially for the City Council, then used as a Theatre.
Roman Forum:
- Built during the reign of Vespasian (69-79 CE).
Eirene Residence:
- Private Residence with Mosaics from the fourth century CE.

Archeological Museum of Plovdiv
- Located at 1 Saedinenie Square, Plovdiv.
- The museum is divided into the following periods: Prehistory, Antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Plovdiv (Phillipopolis)