Nicopolis: Augustus' Victory Monument at Actium
The 'City of Victory' where Paul planned to winter, and the trophy that founded it
Found 1913 — Alexandros Philadelpheus (Greek Archaeological Service, 1913–1926) first explored the monument; Konstantinos Zachos (Ephorate of Antiquities, Preveza) excavated it fully 1995–2001 and published the two-volume study (2015)
Where Nikopolis (Smyrtoula hill), near Preveza, Epirus (Greece)
Dates from Monument dedicated 29 BCE; city flourished 1st–6th century CE · Roman Imperial · Paul's later travels (Titus 3:12)
Now at In situ; sculpture and inscription blocks in the Archaeological Museum of Nicopolis, Preveza
Names a biblical person Augustus (Latin dedication of Imperator Caesar (Augustus, Luke 2:1), contemporary (c. 29 BCE).)
How Nicopolis: Augustus' Victory Monument at Actium was found
Zachos' team cleared the hillside terrace above the city and exposed the 63 by 50 m podium with 36 sockets for the bronze rams of Antony and Cleopatra's captured warships, the 48 m Latin dedication, and fragments of the sculpted altar.
What it is
A stone podium on two terraces, faced with limestone blocks cut with sockets to hold bronze warship rams of decreasing size, and a Latin inscription in 30 cm letters recording that Imperator Caesar, son of the deified Julius, dedicated the spot to Neptune and Mars 'for the peace won on land and sea'. Above stood a horseshoe stoa and an altar with reliefs of the triumph.
Why it matters for the Bible
Paul wrote to Titus, 'make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to winter there' (Titus 3:12). Of several cities of that name, this Nicopolis in Epirus, Augustus' showpiece founded after Actium, is the usual identification. The monument shows the city's meaning: it was built to celebrate the victory that made Augustus master of the world and began the 'Roman peace'. Paul's plan to winter in Caesar's city of victory sets his gospel of Messiah's kingdom against Rome's own gospel of peace by conquest.
The Hebrew word: NEH-tsach
נֶצַח
נֶצַח is pronounced NEH-tsach and means victory, enduring strength — 'nike' in Greek; the city's name and Rome's boast (Strong's H5331).
People this discovery connects to
- Titus (Paul's co-worker) — טִיטוֹס (TEE-tos) — Latin Titus; Greek believer, Paul's delegate to Crete
- Augustus — אוֹגוּסְטוּס (o-GOOS-toos) — Latin Augustus, 'revered'; the Caesar of Luke 2:1
Places
- Nicopolis — נִיקוֹפּוֹלִיס (nee-KO-po-lees) — Greek Nikopolis, 'city of victory'
Events
Paul's plan to winter at Nicopolis · Battle of Actium and the founding of the city
Nicopolis: Augustus' Victory Monument at Actium in Scripture
Titus 3:12 Paul decides to winter at Nicopolis — the Epirote city founded around this monument.
Questions people ask
What is Nicopolis: Augustus' Victory Monument at Actium?
A stone podium on two terraces, faced with limestone blocks cut with sockets to hold bronze warship rams of decreasing size, and a Latin inscription in 30 cm letters recording that Imperator Caesar, son of the deified Julius, dedicated the spot to Neptune and Mars 'for the peace won on land and sea'. Above stood a horseshoe stoa and an altar with reliefs of the triumph.
When was Nicopolis: Augustus' Victory Monument at Actium discovered?
It was found in 1913 by Alexandros Philadelpheus (Greek Archaeological Service, 1913–1926) first explored the monument; Konstantinos Zachos (Ephorate of Antiquities, Preveza) excavated it fully 1995–2001 and published the two-volume study (2015), at Nikopolis (Smyrtoula hill), near Preveza, Epirus.
Where is Nicopolis: Augustus' Victory Monument at Actium today?
In situ; sculpture and inscription blocks in the Archaeological Museum of Nicopolis, Preveza.
Which Bible verses does Nicopolis: Augustus' Victory Monument at Actium relate to?
Titus 3:12.
Related discoveries
- מָחוֹזSeleucia Pieria: Harbour of Antioch and the Titus TunnelThe port from which Paul and Barnabas first sailed, and Vespasian's flood tunnel
- חַמָּהEmmaus: Nicopolis, Abu Ghosh and MotzaRival sites for the village on the road where the risen Yeshua walked with two disciples
- שְׁבִיJudaea Capta CoinsRoman coins celebrating the conquest of Judea with a weeping woman under a palm tree
- חֻרְבָּןHerodian Street and the 70 CE CollapseThe paved market street beneath the Western Wall, still buried under stones thrown down by Titus' soldiers
- בֵּית הַכְּנֶסֶתPisidian Antioch: Temple of Augustus and the Res Gestae CopyImperial-cult city where Paul preached his first recorded sermon
Sources
- Dedication of Octavian's victory monument at Nicopolis (Judaism and Rome)
- Zachos (ed.), The Victory Monument of Augustus at Nicopolis (Kapon Editions)
- The Victory Monument of Actium (Actia Nicopolis Archaeological Park)
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