Daily Archives: June 11, 2012

Two arrested in Greece for antiquities theft

Numerous news sources are reporting the arrest of two men east of Thessaloniki (Thessalonica), Greece, with a 4th century B.C. gold wreath and armband. The arrest was near the Biblical sites of Amphipolis and Apollonia. We recognize those as places passed by Paul and his companions as they traveled the Via Egnatia between Philippi and Thessalonica.

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. (Acts 17:1 ESV)

Very little archaeological work has been done in Amphipolis and Apollonia. One interesting artifact on the Strymon River at Amphipolis is this lion from the 4th century B.C.

The Lion of Amphipolis, Greece. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

The Lion of Amphipolis, Greece. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

The news report in The Republic, Columbus, Indiana, here  includes two nice photos of the wreath.

The photo of the gold wreath below comes from 4th century B.C. Greece. It is now displayed in the Metropolitan Museum, New York City.

Gold crown from Greece. Metropolitan Museum, NY. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Gold crown from Greece. Metropolitan Museum, NY. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Paul spoke of his beloved brothers at Philippi as his joy and crown.

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. (Philippians 4:1 ESV)

HT: Jack Sasson