Sunday, November 30, 2008
We had another interesting day today. We stayed at a five-star hotel last night -- which is probably four-star by U.S. standards -- and got a very good night's sleep. We hit the road today, in an effort to migrate from our current location, in the central part of the country, to the coasts along the south and west.
Our first stop today was an ancient caravan site. During the height of the silk road, caravans would make their way along a route that was protected by walled outposts every 25 miles. These locations would provide protection and an opportunity to trade with the local people. The walled compound included a open area for summer use and an enclosed area for winter use. Both spaces were massive -- each had enough run to hold about 75 cars. The compound also included store rooms and baths. This stop provided some great photo opportunities.
Afterward, we moved on to a key biblical location called Lystra. This is where the apostle Paul first got his start in (present day) Turkey, after traveling over from Cyprus. Lystra is a city built on a "tell" -- a plateau-like hill that builds up over time as versions of the city get destroyed by natural disasters or battles, and the new city is built upon the ruins. Present-day, it's about 150 feet tall. After Paul developed a following here in Lystra, a group of zealous Jews came to the city and spoke-out against Paul and the excitement he was stirring-up. Paul was eventually stoned and left for dead outside the city. When he awoke, he crawled back into the city. Shortly thereafter, Paul and Barnabus moved-on to the city of Derbe. It's really awesome to think you could be stepping on the exact same place as a guy like that.
Nothing remains of the city today, except for the large outcropping where the city last stood. There are plans to excavate the area, which should prove very productive. Just walking around the site showed hundreds of pottery and carved marble fragments.
Published by Jace Mouse
on Sunday, November 30, 2008 at 12:59 PM.
Our first stop today was an ancient caravan site. During the height of the silk road, caravans would make their way along a route that was protected by walled outposts every 25 miles. These locations would provide protection and an opportunity to trade with the local people. The walled compound included a open area for summer use and an enclosed area for winter use. Both spaces were massive -- each had enough run to hold about 75 cars. The compound also included store rooms and baths. This stop provided some great photo opportunities.
Afterward, we moved on to a key biblical location called Lystra. This is where the apostle Paul first got his start in (present day) Turkey, after traveling over from Cyprus. Lystra is a city built on a "tell" -- a plateau-like hill that builds up over time as versions of the city get destroyed by natural disasters or battles, and the new city is built upon the ruins. Present-day, it's about 150 feet tall. After Paul developed a following here in Lystra, a group of zealous Jews came to the city and spoke-out against Paul and the excitement he was stirring-up. Paul was eventually stoned and left for dead outside the city. When he awoke, he crawled back into the city. Shortly thereafter, Paul and Barnabus moved-on to the city of Derbe. It's really awesome to think you could be stepping on the exact same place as a guy like that.
Nothing remains of the city today, except for the large outcropping where the city last stood. There are plans to excavate the area, which should prove very productive. Just walking around the site showed hundreds of pottery and carved marble fragments.
Labels: Turkey
1 Comments
Wonderful photos and narrative!!!
Thanks for sharing...keep your eyes and ears open (that's a Mom talking)..I am sure you are fine up where you are located in Turkey.
Have lots of fun...MOM