NEAPOLIS nē ăp’ ə lĭs (Νεάπολις, G3736, New Town). Town on the northern shore of the Aegean Sea.

Little is known concerning the founding of Neapolis, but it seems to have been a colony of Thasos and to have served as a harbor giving the islanders access to the mainland. The best evidence places its site at the present Gr. town of Kavalla. Philippi lay about ten m. inland, in a plain separated from the sea by a mountain ridge.

The city belonged first to Thrace, then became part of both the first and second Athenian Confederacy, during which time it was commended for its loyalty. It finally fell within the Roman province of Macedonia. Its harbor provided refuge for the fleet of Brutus and Cassius at the time of the Battle of Philippi (42 b.c.).

Neapolis was the first point in Europe touched by Paul and his companions when they came from Troas (Acts 16:11). From here it was an easy journey to Philippi. It is possible that the apostle passed through the town again when he revisited Macedonia (20:1); and it is almost certain that he embarked from Neapolis on his journey back to Troas (20:6). See also Macedonia.

Bibliography ISBE Vol. 4 (1915), 2126; Pauly-Wissova, Real-Encyclopädie der Classischen Altertumswissenschaft (1935), Vol. XVI², 2110-2112.