Nicopolis

Nicopolis (Ancient Greek: Νικόπολις, romanized: Nikópolis, lit. 'City of Victory') or Actia Nicopolis was the capital city of the Roman province of Epirus. Its site, near Preveza, Greece, still contains impressive ruins. The city was founded in 29 BC by Octavian in commemoration of his victory in 31 BC over Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium nearby. It flourished through commerce and imperial patronage, obtaining its capital status in the early second century AD when Trajan created the province of Epirus. Nicopolis survived the turmoil of the third century and was made capital of a different, smaller province, Epirus Vetus, during the reforms of Diocletian. Bishops of Nicopolis appear in the historical record as early as the reign of Constantine, but Christianity did not predominate in the region until the late fourth century. A series of basilicas were constructed during the ensuing period. Between the reigns of Zeno and Justinian Nicopolis was repeatedly damaged by warfare, declining in size and receiving new fortifications. The city died out sometime after the eighth century. Its site was first discovered and excavated by Greek archaeologist Alexander Philadelpheus.