Cassandrian Wall in Vergina, Greece

From the Athens News Agency (H/T June Samaras): Before you start scratching your head, this matters because Cassander also founded Thessalonica, in 314 BC. As some of you know, Thessalonica also holds a special place in my heart. It's the first reason I started researching NT Background as heavily as I did.

Discussing the city Paul visited requires reconstruction, but whatever we can put together is a darn sight more helpful than viewing photos of the later Imperial ruins which Paul never saw - even though that's what most publishers generally run in their textbooks and general interest titles on Paul.

Actually, the walls Paul walked within were probably Cassandrian to some extent with Roman style repair work in large patches, most likely dating to after the civil wars. Anyway, here's the item:

An excavation by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) at the archaeological site of Vergina has uncovered an exceptional fortification structure surrounding the ancient Macedonian city.

According to a university announcement, the architectural elements of the enclosure indicate that it dates back to the reign of Cassander, in the early 3rd century B.C, a period when Macedonia was plagued by major turmoil, including civil wars and attacks from outside.

The findings are of remarkable importance because the wall is preserved in perfect condition and its height reaches 1.90cm.

By the way, if you've never seen my 2005 effort on Thessalonica in 51 AD, you might enjoy checking it out. One more thing I'll finish "someday". Maybe.