Smyrna (Izmir Turkey)
“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.
Basement of the Western Portico, Smyrna
