Garrett MickleyThe Rich History Of Thessaloniki
Greece is a country that boasts numerous archaeological sites and a rich history of architecture and culture. Athens is the capital of Greece. However, there is another city in Greece that is quite prominent. Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and is 2,300 years old. It is known as the Co-Reigning city as it was the co-capital alongside Constantinople during the Byzantine Empire. To visit this wonderful historic city be sure to start applying for a US passport in time if you don't already have a passport.
Important Documentation
Passports are necessary documents when it comes to international travel. Passports act as travel permits allowing travel between countries. They used to be difficult to attain, now with technology and the internet some United States passport can arrive the same day. This makes travel much more accessible.
Thessaloniki
In 315 B.C.E the great city of Thessaloniki was founded by King Cassander of Macedon. He deemed his find Thessaloniki after his wife Thessalonike. She was the half sister of Alexander the Great and the princess of Macedon. The city of Thessaloniki was very prosperous and eventually because a major trading port. It also acted as a capital for one of the four Roman districts of Macedonia.
Archaeological Sites
With such a long history there are many archaeological sites in Thessaloniki. The city features the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country of Greece. Alongside these heritage sites are many other prominent archaeological sites including the Roman baths, gladiatorial theatres, and the great throne room just to name a few.
UNESCO Sites
In addition to the many archaeological sites found in Thessaloniki there are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites are mainly comprised of structures involved with the early Christian and Byzantine eras. Sites such as the Complex of the Roman Emperor Galerius, the first church of Hagios Demetrios are rich in history. There is also the Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki, the Rotunda of Saint George, the Church of Panagia Chalkeon, and the Church of Acheiropoietos. There fifteen UNESCO World Heritage sites in Thessaloniki.
Ancient Monuments
In 1430 the Ottoman Empire took control of the city, this lead to the conversion of the city's churches to mosques. The sites survived however, and even survived the Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917. During the Second World War Thessaloniki was bombed relentlessly. However, they have since been restored and to date Thessaloniki has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other city in Greece, including Athens. They have a total of 15 monuments.
Historical Museums
No ancient city is complete without an extensive array of museums honoring the archaeological finds of their existence. The two infamous museums of Thessaloniki include the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and the Museum of Byzantine Culture. Other museums include the War Museum, the Sports Museum, and the Photography Museum. There are many other museums that boast the prehistoric antiquities of the city and artifacts from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Don't forget the largest planetarium in Greece is located in Thessaloniki as well.
Important Documentation
Passports are necessary documents when it comes to international travel. Passports act as travel permits allowing travel between countries. They used to be difficult to attain, now with technology and the internet some United States passport can arrive the same day. This makes travel much more accessible.
Thessaloniki
In 315 B.C.E the great city of Thessaloniki was founded by King Cassander of Macedon. He deemed his find Thessaloniki after his wife Thessalonike. She was the half sister of Alexander the Great and the princess of Macedon. The city of Thessaloniki was very prosperous and eventually because a major trading port. It also acted as a capital for one of the four Roman districts of Macedonia.
Archaeological Sites
With such a long history there are many archaeological sites in Thessaloniki. The city features the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country of Greece. Alongside these heritage sites are many other prominent archaeological sites including the Roman baths, gladiatorial theatres, and the great throne room just to name a few.
UNESCO Sites
In addition to the many archaeological sites found in Thessaloniki there are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites are mainly comprised of structures involved with the early Christian and Byzantine eras. Sites such as the Complex of the Roman Emperor Galerius, the first church of Hagios Demetrios are rich in history. There is also the Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki, the Rotunda of Saint George, the Church of Panagia Chalkeon, and the Church of Acheiropoietos. There fifteen UNESCO World Heritage sites in Thessaloniki.
Ancient Monuments
In 1430 the Ottoman Empire took control of the city, this lead to the conversion of the city's churches to mosques. The sites survived however, and even survived the Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917. During the Second World War Thessaloniki was bombed relentlessly. However, they have since been restored and to date Thessaloniki has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other city in Greece, including Athens. They have a total of 15 monuments.
Historical Museums
No ancient city is complete without an extensive array of museums honoring the archaeological finds of their existence. The two infamous museums of Thessaloniki include the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and the Museum of Byzantine Culture. Other museums include the War Museum, the Sports Museum, and the Photography Museum. There are many other museums that boast the prehistoric antiquities of the city and artifacts from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Don't forget the largest planetarium in Greece is located in Thessaloniki as well.
