Smyrna (Izmir Turkey)

May 4

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:…I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan….Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life”. Revelation 2:8, 9, 10

The remains of ancient Smyrna are largely from the Roman period and after the time of an earthquake in 178 AD. However, some of the foundations and basements excavated at the site of the agora are Hellenistic. The Hellenistic city was founded by Alexander the Great who was said to have had a dream that inspired the creation of the city. In the Roman era, Smyrna became one of the most important cities of Asia Minor along with Ephesus and Pergamum and had a large sea port. Smyrna had the distinction of 3 times being given the title Neocorus with permission to construct a temple to the Emperor. Smyrna had a large Jewish community and consequently also a very early Christian community. A number of early Christian martyrs were from Smyrna, Polycarp being the most well known. Smyrna was one of the 7 churches in Asia Minor for whom John received a very specific revelation and message from Christ, as recorded in the book of Revelation.

Alexander the Great's relationship to Smyrna

View of the Agora courtyard looking north

Entrance to the Western Portico - up 3 steps. Note the openings in the 2nd step. These let light into the agora basement.

The floor of the agora would have been wooden and was supported by the arch and vault construction of the basement.

In Hellenistic times the portico was a basement and a single story with two galleries. The Romans added a second story and a third gallery.

In the basement, looking up to the columns of the West Portico entrance

Open to air today, the basement arches are beautiful. the channel running down the middle has funning water today as it did in ancient times.

Water gushing into the basement channels. According to the signs, the precise source of the water is still not understood.

Windows and doors in the basement - likely opened onto a street

The crookedness of some vaults / arches was d/t rushed repairs after the 178 AD earthquake

The north side of the agora courtyard was a pulbic/civic basilica that had a tall vaulted center isle. One of the galleries had plastered walls that contain graffiti from the 1st and 2nd century AD