Nicopolis

Nicopolis (Greek Νικόπολις ( f sg ), in its Latin form also Nicopolis, from Greek νίκη "victory" and πόλις " city ," meaning " city of victory " ) is the name of an ancient Roman city in north - western Greece in the region of Epirus at the Ambracian Golf near Preveza. The city was abandoned around the 12th century. In its place, the nearby Preveza occurred.

The city was in 31 BC by Octavian, the future Emperor Augustus, founded after he had defeated the fleet of Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII in the naval battle of Actium on 2 September 31 BC. The battle was part of the power struggle between Octavian and Antony after the death of Julius Caesar.

To get residents of the new city, nearby villages were as merged by synoecism with Nicopolis eg Kassope. Due to political and financial privileges and its favorable location, the city grew rapidly and became an important trading center. In its heyday, are said to have lived in Nicopolis 320,000 people.

The city was geographically favorable since the Ambracian Golf is separated here by the peninsula of Preveza from the Ionian Sea (Mediterranean). On the opposite side of the Mediterranean peninsula is the Mazoma Lagoon, the excellent suitable as a natural protected harbor. Whether this bay in front of the resort town already had a connection to the sea, is controversial among researchers.

Octavian also decreed that Actia called Festival to be held on the southern sanctuary of Apollo. These were roughly comparable to the Olympics, but also extended to musical competitions.

Nicopolis was an early Christian cities. Already 62-63 AD it was visited by the Apostle Paul on his journey to Rome. Excavations six basilicas have been found, probably dating from the 4th century.

293 AD Nicopolis capital of Epirus. At the beginning of the 5th century it was conquered by the Goths, looted and partially destroyed. Emperor Justinian I built it 540 AD, with stronger walls and 35 towers again.

In 1032 Nicopolis was destroyed by the Bulgarians, thus sealing the end of the city. Although it was partially rebuilt, but never regained its old dimensions. The center has shifted according to Preveza.

1913 began with excavations in the area, which lasted several stages until 1975.