Sardis : the
wealthy capital of the ancient Lydian Empire, is one of
the most amazing sites in Turkey. The unusual rock formations
in the nearby hills lend it a uniquely strange atmosphere,
and this curious pointed landscape shelters hundreds of
Lydian tombs, some dating back to 7th. century BC. It is
the Roman ruins of Sardis, excavated by New York Univercity
since 1958, that are particularly impressive now, consisting
of a road lined with shops, a gymnasium, and the biggest
open air synagogue in the world. There is lovely marble
throughout, as well as mozaic flooring. The other part of
the site is situated half a mile or so away, around the
most striking monument in Sardis, the Temple of Artemis-Zeus.
Of the original 82 columns only two remain intact, with
parts of 13 others still standing. The lonic capitals on
these columns are among the most beautiful known. Sacrifices
to the goddess were made on the altar located at the top
of the flight of steps.
Thyatira
: in the 1st. and 2nd centuries
AD when Christianity was spreading rapidly Roman Emperors
were ruthless against those first Christians. Churches
were destroyed ruined and Christianity prohibited.
Despite all the persecution, Christianity continued
to spread in Western Anatolia with the help and leadership
of apostles like St.John and St.Paul. Thyatira is
now a modern city, the ancicent remains of which include
a temple, a collonaded road, and a large church. Philadelphia : was important as a place for
spreading the thought patterns and activities of Hellenistic
civilization and the Christian faith. The famous Church
of Philadelphia and on the
lower sides of the city, thick Byzantine walls still
remain.
