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“Sardis was one of the great cities of primitive
history: in the Greek view it was long the greatest of
all cities. At the beginning of record it stands forth
prominently as the capital of a powerful empire. Its
situation marks it out as a ruling city, according to
the methods of early warfare and early kings; it was
however more like a robber's stronghold than an abode of
civilised men; and in a peaceful and civilised age its
position was found inconvenient. In the Roman period it
was almost like a city of the past, a relic of the
period of barbaric warfare, which lived rather on its
ancient prestige than on its suitability to present
conditions.
“The great plain of the Hermus is bounded on the south by the broad ridge of
Mount Tmolus, which reaches from the main mass of the Central Anatolian plateau
like an arm extended westwards towards the sea. In front of the mountains
stretch a series of alluvial hills, making the transition from the level plain
to the loftier ridge behind. On one of those hills stood Sardis. The hills in
this neighbourhood are of such a character that under the influences of the
atmosphere each assumes the form of a small elongated plateau having very steep
sides, terminating towards the north in a sharp point, and on the south joined
by a neck to the main mass of Tmolus. One of those small elevated plateaux
formed the site of the original Sardis, an almost impregnable fortress already
as it came from the hand of nature without any artificial fortification. Only a
small city could be perched on the little plateau; but in the primitive time,
when Sardis came into existence, cities were small” (Ramsay, The Letters to
the Seven Churches of Asia, Chapter 25).
On our Holy Days 2000
Page, by following the Pentecost 2000 links,
you may access both
audio
and transcripts
relating the significance of
Sardis
to church history. This series by Fred R. Coulter is
entitled The Seven Church Harvest.
An article exploring the
Legend of Old King Croesus of Sardis and
his gold may be accessed at this site.
The Harvard University Art Museums
Archaelogical Exploration of Ancient Sardis
is featured at this site.
This excellent site covers many details of the history,
geography, geology and climate of
Ancient Sardis complete with a chronology of
the city.
A
Short History
with photos of ancient Sardis is offered at this site.
A short history with
Photos of Ancient Sardis may also be
accessed at this site.
Ephesus: The City of Change
Smyrna: The City of Life
Pergamum: The Royal City: The City of Authority
Thyatira: Weakness Made Strong
Philadelphia: The Missionary City
Laodicea: The City of Compromise
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