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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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.
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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.
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Analyzing the 12 churches and chapels of Side, Pamphylia
In my research of the Side Ancient City and the maps of Archeology ruins, I have discovered at least 12 churches and chapels of Side. Many have remains today to show what existed before, but a few have limited ruins to show today. In most of the write-ups, three Basilicas dominate the discussions.
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Exploring Side, Pamphylia Hidden Byzantine Monuments
Among the ruins in the Side Ancient City, one can find some amazing Byzantine structures that are often neglected during one’s visit. Side was a key city that promoted Christianity in the Pamphylia region. Let’s explore these churches to gain insights into the faith of Christ here.
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