Neapolis (which in Greek means "new city"), known today as Kavala, was and still is a very important Grecian seaport located in eastern Macedonia. It is situated on the Bay of Kavala and is located less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Philippi, which was the first European church started by Paul. Neapolis was founded by settlers from Thassos around the 6th century B.C. in order to take advantage of nearby gold and silver deposits, especially those located in the Pangaion mountain. Neapolis began to make its own silver coins after its declared independence from Thassos at the end of the 6th century. It is believed the city may have also been referred to as Datum, which was famous for its gold mines. Neapolis was a member of the Athenian (Delian) League. The League's purpose, under the leadership of Athens, was to continue fighting the Persian Empire after the Greek victory in the Battle of Plataea at the end of the Greco - Persian Wars. The city was also part of the Ottoman Empire from 1387 to 1912 A.D. The Apostle Paul went through the city at least three times during his missionary journeys. He went through the city during his second missionary journey when God, through a vision in Troas, conveyed to the apostle that he needed to preach the gospel in Europe. Neapolis was the gateway God chose to bring his truth, for the first time, to the European continent. He also went through the city twice during his third missionary journey. |
