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?
[Read more…] about Ancient Chalcedon in Modern Kadıköy
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.
[Read more…] about The Amazing Terrace Houses of Ephesus and the Question of House Churches
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.
[Read more…] about Hidden Crosses at Seljuk Museum
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
[Read more…] about Who is more Powerful? A Venus Elephant or the Cross in Casa di Achille in PompeiiReferences
| ↑1 | https://www.pompei.it/excavations/house-achilles-lararium.htm |
|---|
Did Pompeii Know the Cross? Rethinking Its Mosaics
The most amazing thing about Pompeii is the preserved mosaics that give us insight into 1st-century art. Many of the patterns endure over centuries, but some of these early patterns hint at a Christian following. We can see the cross in stone on our walking tour. Let’s explore the cross-like designs in the Pompeii archeology park.
[Read more…] about Did Pompeii Know the Cross? Rethinking Its Mosaics
Pompeii Preserved Crosses of the 1st Century
A two-day eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD destroyed and buried the Roman city of Pompeii under vast amounts of ash and volcanic material. To this day, in Pompeii, they continue excavating the former city, as one-third still lies under volcanic debris. The city, frozen in time by volcanic rock, offers a unique glimpse of life in the 1st century. Did this city preserve Christian elements that had recently arrived? Let’s take a look.
[Read more…] about Pompeii Preserved Crosses of the 1st Century