Pergamum & Troy: Day 6

We find the letter to the church in Pergamum in Revelation 2:12-17 where they are commended for holding fast despite being where "Satan's throne is". This made 6 of the 7 churches we have visited and it was unique because it's key components are up high on a mountain in the Acropolis. Just to reach it we actually had to leave our bus and take taxis to the top.

Overlooking Pergamum

While in Pergamum, we were able to see Trajean's temple, the Altar of Zeus which was likely what was being referenced when mentioning the presence of Satan, and some breathtaking views, including the steepest ancient theater in all of Asia. After we came down from the Acropolis we drove over to Aesculapium which was a medical bathing facility used for mental patients. The facility made use of an intricate water system to fill the baths used by patients. At this facility there was also a smaller theater and arena where patients would participate in various therapies by putting on performances for the community.

Following our lunch, where I was able to eat Turkish pizza (it was pretty good... Light and tasty, but I'll keep my Little Caesar's), we began our long trip north toward Troy. It was about a three hour trip for the group. Prior to reaching Troy we stopped by Alexander Troas, which is importan biblically because it is where Paul would set sail for Europe. Later when we reached Troy we were able to see walls from the ancient city over 4,000 years old. It was an important city because of its locatin to the harbor, and is most famous for the Trojan horse incident which allowed the Greeks to defeat the Trojans.

Tonight is our last night in Turkey, and though I've enjoyed it so far, I'm really looking forward to visiting Greece.

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