In 85 BC. after he had defeated Mithridates of Pontus, the dictator Sulla sent gifts to the shrine of Aphrodite. These included a double axe, a traditional symbol of power in Caria and a gold crown. Later Julius Caesar, whose family claimed Venus (Aphrodite) as an ancestress, had a gold statue of Eros dedicated at her shrine at Aphrodisias.
Pergamon, Trajanus Temple
You will find scenic highlights, well-preserved archaeological sites and fascinating museums that bring its rich history to life. Besides, sea excursions and water sports are very popular activities that attract most visitors.
Ephesus theatre is the most magnificent structure in the ancient city. The Great Theatre is built to rest on the slope of the hill, opposite the Harbor Street. It was first constructed in the Hellenistic Period, in the third century BC during the reign Alexander's general Lysimachos.
St. Paul argued with the silversmith Demetrius at the theatre at Ephesus. Demetrius responded to Paul's preaching by encouraging the crowd in a chant of "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" .
Aphrodisias, The ancient Stadium, 262 m long 54 m wide, 30.000 seats capacity.
Ruins of the Temple of Appolo, famous sacred site in the ancient Greek world, temple of oracle and Apollo that attracted pilgrims. The temple was second in importance to Delphi.
In the antique times the priests were called Branchidae, as they claimed descent from Branchus, son of Smicrus, a native of Delphi who had settled in Miletus.
Branchus, a handsome youth, was a shepherd. One day while guarding his father's flocks in the mountain pastures, he was seen by Apollo, who became infatuated with him and seduced him. Branchus, grateful for the god's affection, dedicated an alter to Apollo the Friendly and received from him the gift of divination.
Milesians got rich from sea born trade, they had 90 trade colonies set along the coast of Anatolia. Miletus was home for many distinguished philosophers, orators, planners and engineers. The Greek Alphabet being used today was developed in Miletus too.
Thales predicted the eclipse of sun on the 28th May 585 BC, on the day two armies, Lydians led by king Alyates and Persians commanded by Cyraxes in a fierce battle. They stopped fighting as they thought the eclipse was the sign that Gods do not approve this fight. Aspasia, the fine celeberated lady, the wife of Perikles was also from Miletus
Croesus consulted the oracle. Pythia said " King if you attack the Persians you will destroy a great empire ". Croesus attacked but he destroyed his own empire.
In the plateau of Sardis two armies confronted each other. Lydians were on horse back. Cyrus King of Persian Empire got frightened of Lydians and consulted his wise men. Harpagus, one of his generals advised him to use camels against the horses. He said horses can not face the camels as they hate camel smell.
Nysia's fame as an educational center drew pupils from all over the Asia Minor. Many philosophers opened schools here. In the territory of the city there was a shrine called Plutonium, dedicated to Pluto, the god of the underworld, and the Kore, his consort. near the Plutonium was the Charonium, a famous healing center. According to Strabo the Plutonium was enclosed in a richly-ornamented sacred precinct and the healing center was in a natural cave above the shrine. The sick, who lodged in the nearby village were sometimes placed by the priests inside the cave where they remained in quiet like animals in their lurking-holes, without food for many days. Patients were cured by the treatment prescribed by the gods which was revealed to them or sometimes to the priests in dreams. Only the sick and the priests were allowed in the cave for all others it was a dangerous and forbidden place.
W E S T E R N T U R K E Y
