Fragments of Philippopolis’ main street found in Plovdiv

Fragments of Philippopolis’, one of the ancient names of Plovdiv, most important ancient street have been discovered by archaeologists from Plovdiv in studies of the eastern part of the former town square – Agora. The scientists came across large remains of the facade of the building near the Odeon, where the city council met during the Roman Empire.

During Roman times the main street of Philippopolis was called Cardo Maximus. Archaeologists have already studied about 10 metres from the pavement of the ancient road. They were surprised, when they found large debris from the Odeon's facade - the bouleuterion or the meeting building.

The building has been preserved for a long time - until the Middle Ages, when it was destroyed most probably by an earthquake. The archaeologists have discovered a valuable fragment of a marble statue of a prominent citizen of Philippopolis.

The study in the eastern part of Odeon was made to connect with the large Early Christian Episcopal Basilica located only a few metres away. The pavement on Gladstone Street will connect the two archaeological sites.