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History of Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, founded in 315 BC by Cassander and named in honor of his wife, who was also the sister of Alexander the Great, has a long and rich history that makes it one of the most significant destinations in Greece. Since antiquity, it was a trade center for Macedonia and gained strategic importance during the Roman Empire due to its position on the Via Egnatia.

In Byzantine times, Thessaloniki became a spiritual and religious center, while in 1430, it came under Ottoman rule until its liberation in 1912. After the Asia Minor Catastrophe in 1922, the city welcomed refugees, and during World War II, it suffered greatly with the destruction of its Jewish community. Despite the devastating earthquake of 1978, Thessaloniki was rebuilt and was named European Capital of Culture in 1997. Today, it is a cultural and economic hub of Northern Greece, known for its rich heritage, universities, and international events.

315 BC

Founded by Cassander, King of Macedonia, who unified 26 smaller settlements in the area.

168 BC

Conquered by the Romans, marking the beginning of a new era that would transform the city into a major commercial and cultural center of the Roman Empire.

390 AD

The Massacre of Thessaloniki by Theodosius I, one of the darkest moments in the city’s history, left an indelible mark on the memory of its people.

904 AD

Suffered a deadly raid by the Saracens, who ravaged the city, causing severe damage and significant loss of life, leaving deep scars in its history.

1185 AD

Captured by the Normans, who, taking advantage of the weakening Byzantine Empire, invaded Thessaloniki, causing chaos and turmoil in a city that had been a center of trade and culture during that era.

1430 AD

Conquered by the Ottomans, marking the start of a long period of domination, which deeply affected the cultural, social, and religious structure of the city.

1912 AD

Liberated by the Greek army, signaling Thessaloniki's return to the motherland and ushering in a new era of cultural and economic revival.

1922 AD

The arrival of refugees from Asia Minor drastically changed the demographic landscape of Thessaloniki, enriching the city with new cultural and social dynamics.

1943 AD

The Holocaust of the Jewish community by the Nazis, with the violent deportation and extermination of thousands of Thessaloniki's Jews, left an indelible scar on the city's history and character.

1978 AD

An earthquake in Thessaloniki caused widespread destruction, altering the urban fabric of the city and deeply impacting the daily lives of its residents.

1997 AD

Declared the European Capital of Culture, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and enhancing its international presence through a series of important events and initiatives.

Today

It is a cultural and economic center of Northern Greece, combining modern business activity with a rich cultural life and dynamic development.