March 29, 2024

Sardis: Capital of Lydia

Sardis Gymnasium Sardis Gymnasium © Cevat Hikmet Erdem | Dreamstime.com

Sardis, located east of Smyrna and southeast of Thyatira, was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia.  Originally built upon an acropolis at an elevation of 1500 feet for security, then later expanded to the slopes of the hill for easier access along a prime trade route. 

In AD 17, it was leveled by the Lydia earthquake, called by a Roman historian Pliny the Elder, “the greatest earthquake in human memory.”  The Roman emperor Tiberius assisted with the rebuilding of Sardis, in honor of whom they erected a statue and minted a coin.       

The remains of the ancient city are located in the Aegean region of Turkey, in the modern day town of Salihi.

“Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that didn’t defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy." (Rev 3:4)

The modern town of Salihi stands on the location of ancient Sardis.

Main Attractions

The archaeological remains of Sardis include:

The Temple of Artemis
The Altar of Artemeis
The Theatre, Stadium, and Lydian Terraces
The Gymansium-Bath complex
The Synagogue

The Jewish Synagogue in Sardis is one of the most impressive archaeological remains of any Jewish synagogue in antiquity, and is connected with the Gymnasium/Bath complex.  

 

See the links below for further information and exploration. 

 

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardis

https://www.ancient.eu/sardis/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardis_Synagogue

http://sardisexpedition.org/en/essays/about-artemis-temple

http://sardisexpedition.org/en/essays/about-wings-over-sardis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Last modified on Monday, 01 April 2019 03:33
Nathan Gopen

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Nathan Gopen is a professional software engineer and MIT graduate. He is committed to using his skills in software, multimedia and graphic design to create inspiring and powerful new ways of comprehending and studying the vast riches of God's Word.

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