Turkey — William J Shaules

Image of Roman emperor Theodosius I (379-395 CE) throwing the victory wreath to the winner of a chariot race. This sits in the ancient hippodrome in Istanbul under an ancient Egyptian obelisk.

Muslim boy during prayer in the mosque within the Hagia Sophia

View from our hotel room of an exquisite ancient mosaic floor. The Museum Hotel Antakya was built on metal pillars above the ancient agora of Antioch! In this city "the disciples were first called Christians" (Acts 11:26).

Shepherd in Antakya (ancient Antioch)

Harvesting mint in Antakya (ancient Antioch)

Remarkably well preserved theater in ancient Hierapolis

Tomb of St. Philip above Hierapolis

Hierapolis puppy...so cute!

View from hotel looking at the Aegean Sea in Kusadasi. From here we go to Ephesus.

In the footsteps of Paul looking at the main street of Ephesus. The Library of Celsus is visible in the background.

Image of the winged goddess Nike carrying the wreath (or crown) of victory. See 1 Corinthians 9:25.

Well preserved Roman Latrina in Ephesus. Did Paul...?

Example of luxury home in Ephesus.

Tradition has it that Mary lived in Ephesus with the apostle John.

Entrance to the agora in Ephesus. Paul certainly walked through here daily.

Remains of store fronts in the agora of Ephesus. Paul, the leather worker, likely leased one of these.

Theater in Ephesus. See Acts 19:29!

First century statue of Artemis found near Ephesus. See Acts 19:28!

Structures below the agora in Smyrna the city of bishop and martyr St. Polycarp. Christians here also received a letter from Ignatius of Antioch, all of this during the early first century CE.