Indeed, part of what Rome's military power imposed on Judea was Hellenic culture.

ECONOMIST: Judaism and the rise of Christianity

Of all the sacred texts of Judaism and Christianity, some of the most arresting are works like Wisdom of Sirach, whose apocalyptic tone reflects the shock of the Jewish religious establishment at the encounter with Hellenic culture.

ECONOMIST: Judaism and the rise of Christianity

The city is home to dozens of archaeology institutes and museums, with academics studying the best of Hellenic art, culture and architecture.

BBC: Living in: Great cities for history and ancient ruins

The event is organised in cooperation with the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, and with the support of the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki, the ICOM Regional Alliance for South-East Europe, and the UNESCO Chair in intercultural policy (Thessaloniki).

UNESCO: Detailview | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization