History
Thessalonica was the capital of one of the four Roman districts of Macedonia and was named after the wife of Cassander, who built the city. Those in Thessalonica adored many gods, particularly Jupiter, as the father of Hercules, the alleged founder of its ancient royal family. The city also boasted a celebrated amphitheater, where gladiatorial shows were exhibited for the amusement of the citizens, and a circus for public games.

Excavations at Thessalonica
Very little has been uncovered at ancient Thessalonica because Thessaloniki sits atop the remains. The area pictured on the bottom left was formerly a bus station; when it was moved in 1962, this 1st or 2nd century A.D. forum was revealed. Excavators found a bathhouse and mint dating to the 1st century A.D. below pavement surrounding an odeum. An inscription (30 B.C. to 143 A.D.) from the Vardar gate bears the word politarches, the word Luke used in reference to the officials of the city before whom Jason was brought by the mob (Acts 17:6). The word does not appear in any other Greek literature but does match the archaeology of the site.

Acts 17:5 But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace


Scriptures
Acts 17:13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

Philemon 4:16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.