Cowbright: April 10, 2024 Sardis, Philadelphia, Pamukkale

April 10, 2024 Sardis, Philadelphia, Pamukkale

Departing our Hotel in Izmir, we'll see Polycarp's Church and visit the ancient Roman agora. Then, we travel to Sardis, which was berated by John for its facade of strength when, in reality, it was weak (Rev. 3:1-6). Here coins were minted and the dyeing of wool originated. We'll visit the gymnasium and synagogue. Our next stop is nearby Philadelphia from where we are challenged to “hold fast” and look forward to the coming of the "new Jerusalem" (Rev. 3:7-13). Not much is left of the city except for the ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica in the modern city of Alasehir.

Trip notes from Ronnie:

Roman Proconsul, "Take the oath and I'll let you go. Curse Christ.”

Polycarp answered, “Eighty-six years I have served him, and he never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me."
Polycarp was martyred.

We started the day in Smryna where Polycarp's church was located, but the modern city of Izmir was built on top of it. After an hour walk or jog along the coast of the Aegean Sea, we boarded our mini-bus for a ride to Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6). We walked the remains of a large Synagogue adjacent to a huge outdoor "gymnasium." Instead of games, young men learned fighting techniques, wrestling and swordsmanship. The gym included a "refrigerator".

the "gymnasium" in Smyrna

the "refrigerator" (swimming pool)

We noted many poppies growing wild, and we bussed a short distance to walk the remains of Artemis Temple. Behind the huge temple, early Christians built a small church, where the pastor led a devotion on Revelation 3:1-6. It was an experience to worship in the remains of a church from Polycarp's day.

remains of Temple of Artemus

the synagogue in Sardis


wild poppies grow everywhere!

altar, mosaics and temple decor

close up of mosaic tiles on floor

excavated temple columns

Most of these famous Biblical sites have some kind of vendors, souvenir or snack shops and bathrooms located near the parking lots. This nice lady sold us some sun dried apricots and sun dried grapes/raisins, both grown in abundance in this part of Turkey.

raisins and apricots for sale

The bus then took us to Philadelphia where we toured the remains of a church built in 5th or 6th century AD and dedicated to the Apostle John. The pastor led a devotion based on Revelation 3:7-13.

to the church at Philadelphia...

church dedicated to John the Apostle

very small site in town center

Between stops, our bus stops at small shops where we buy snacks for lunch on the bus and use the facilities. Interestingly, while we're busy doing that, a man washes the bus with soapy water, then rinses and dries it off. The windows stay clean which is a nice plus. It makes me wonder about the feasibility of similar car wash service at Buckees? No automatic machines, just an organized group of service people.

After a long bus ride we came to Hierapolis, a huge archeological site, which we toured via a smaller bus (see photos). It included a amphitheater that seated 10 thousand and large, natural warm water pool on white marble/limestone rock (see photos). In its day the town probably had a population of 60-70 thousand people.

The remains of a 5th century church dedicated to the Apostle Phillip is there. Tradition says Phillip was martyred on that hill.

Church of St. Phillip

Our hotel had a great spread of food since it was the end of Ramadan. See dessert photos. We checked in at 8pm and had be ready at 7am. Very tiring day.

P.S. Don't come here if you are unable to walk long distances on uneven, rocky surfaces. Come sooner rather than later!