Turkey
Apollo and Artemis Temple in Didyma
Didyma was an ancient Greek sanctuary on the coast of Ionia. It was the home of the temples dedicated to the twins Apollo and Artemis
Graffiti at Didyma
Ancient graffiti at Didyma
Sculpture of Nike
A relief sculpture of Nike, the goddess of victory, at Ephesus
The Library of Celsus
The Library of Celsus in Ephesus, built in the 2nd century AD, was one of the largest libraries of the ancient world, holding over 12,000 scrolls. Ingeniously, its double walls helped protect the manuscripts from heat and humidity.
Ephesus Home Remains
Inside one of the excavated homes in Ephesus. Judging by the frescos, this would have belonged to a wealthy individual.
Ephesus Public Toilets
Ephesus public toilets (let’s appreciate how far we have come)
The Temple of Pluto
The temple of Pluto in Hierapolis was thought to contain the gateway to the underworld. (The gates of hell?)
The Statue of Pluto
Statue of Pluto (Hades) located at the temple of Pluto at Hierapolis. The coiled serpent at his side symbolizes rebirth and immortality.
Early church Remains
These are the remains of what is presumed to be an early house church in Laodicea.
Cross on Menorah
It is difficult to know what to make of this. A cross that sits above a menorah—located in Laodicea.
Remains of The Pergamum Theatre
Remains of the theatre at Pergamum. This picture does not do justice to its size.
Rendition of The Pergamum Theatre
An artist’s rendition of the Pergamum theatre
The Aesculapian
The Aesculapian (healing center) in the lower city of Pergamum. It was connected to the theatre, where the ideas of entertainment and healing were conjoined.
Byzantine Church Remains
The remains of a Byzantine church. Unfortunately, there is not much to see in Philadelphia.
The Gymnasium at Sardis
The gymnasium at Sardis. Although it is partially reconstructed, it is still very impressive.
Sardis Synagogue
The ancient city of Sardis also holds the remains of an elaborate synagogue.
Mosaic Flooring
A close up of the synagogue’s mosaic floor in Sardis.
Smyrna Arches
The fascinating underground architecture of Smyrna.
Smyrna Marketplace Remains
Above the underground arches in Smyrna are the remains of an extravagant marketplace.
Ruins of Thyatira
Unfortunately, there is not much to see in Thyatira. These ruins of the ancient city have been preserved in the middle of the modern city.
The Theatre at Laodicea
Remains of the theatre at Laodicea.
Model of The Trojan Horse
Not many people know that the city of Troy (site of the Trojan War in the Iliad), is in Western Turkey