The history of Chalcedon often centers on the Basilica of St. Euphemia, the site of the Council of Chalcedon. Built over the grave of Saint Euphemia, this famous church has vanished from view, leaving behind one of the city’s greatest archaeological puzzles. Where did it stand? Historical sources, topography, and recent discoveries offer several compelling possibilities. Let us explore the leading theories.
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Reading the Ruins of Ancient Chalcedon
Most people pass over the ancient ruins of Chalcedon without realizing what lies below. I have never walked through the archaeological site myself, but anyone can look down from the main bridge in Kadıköy, on Istanbul’s Asian side, and see what archaeologists have uncovered. From that vantage point, sacred apsidal structures, marble floors, and massive column bases begin to emerge from the earth. At first glance, they look like scattered stones. Yet each one tells part of the story of an important city. So what do these discoveries actually reveal?
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Ancient Chalcedon in Modern Kadıköy
Since 2018, archaeologists have uncovered remarkable new pieces of ancient Chalcedon. Excavations have revealed churches, graves, temples, and even an ancient harbor, offering fresh insight into this once-thriving city. With each new discovery, Chalcedon’s story becomes richer, but how much still lies hidden beneath the modern streets? What have archaeologists uncovered so far, and what discoveries might still await?
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The Amazing Terrace Houses of Ephesus and the Question of House Churches
A visit to the Terrace Houses of Ephesus is well worth the extra expense, especially for those interested in the city’s Christian heritage. Beautifully preserved homes and mosaics reveal subtle reminders of the faith that flourished here nearly two thousand years ago. Cross-shaped mosaics, stone church lintels, and a carved cross may have guided believers to an early house church among these homes. These remains offer a glimpse into the Christian community that grew in Ephesus after the ministry of Paul and the other early followers of Christ.
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Hidden Crosses at Seljuk Museum
A visit to the Museum of Ephesus in Selçuk is essential for anyone exploring the ancient city itself. During my first visit, I was struck by the overwhelming presence of idols, statues, and pagan imagery that once filled Ephesus. The Seljuk museum vividly reveals the spiritual world of the ancient city and helps visitors understand the religious atmosphere that early Christians encountered there. Today, a seeker of Christian history will again encounter the ancient focus since one must look beyond the ruins and even the museum, where the exhibitions fail to highlight Christianity’s rise over its final 500 years.
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Who is more Powerful? A Venus Elephant or the Cross in Casa di Achille in Pompeii
The mosaics at Casa de Larario Archille (House of Achilles) mark the most advanced cross-like designs in the city. Let’s analyze how this house of influence used a single room to contrast the power between the wall and the floor. Were these power encounters displayed purposefully? What does this tell us about Christianity in Pompeii? The house, known for its renditions of Roman gods, also features Iliad themes from the Trojan War in one area.[1]https://www.pompei.it/excavations/house-achilles-lararium.htm
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| ↑1 | https://www.pompei.it/excavations/house-achilles-lararium.htm |
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