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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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