Thyateira: First Christian in Europe

Being the first follower of religion must feel good, right? It is like discovering a band that will be very famous in the future.

In Europe, the first person that is known to be converted to Christianity is a woman named Lydia. And Thyateira is the ancient city where she spent her life. Here you can see the remains of the church dedicated to Lydia.

Thyateira bears the marks of history where it had hosted many civilizations like Persians, Macedonians, Romans, and many more. We can the different periods’ effects on the ruins and remains.

If you are interested in taking a walk along the memory lane and discovering a city’s secrets Thyateira is waiting for you with open arms.

Thyateira, known today as Akhisar in Turkey, is an ancient city with a rich history.

The city is perhaps most well-known from its mention in the New Testament of the Bible, in the Book of Revelation. It’s one of the Seven Churches of Asia that are cited in the Book of Revelation. The Christian community in Thyateira is rebuked for tolerating a false prophetess who led members to practice sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols but is also commended for their charity, service, faith, and patience.

The remains of the ancient city are relatively scant. There’s an ancient temple that is thought to have been dedicated to the Roman emperor, a large basilica (probably Byzantine), and some colonnaded streets. The modern city of Akhisar has grown up around these ancient remains.

Thyateira, now known as Akhisar, is a city in the western part of Turkey.

If you are traveling internationally, the nearest international airport to Akhisar is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. From there, you can take a domestic flight or a bus to Manisa and then another bus or train to Akhisar.

Here are general steps to get to Akhisar (Thyateira):

Flight to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport: Many major airlines fly into Izmir from various international destinations.

From Izmir to Manisa: You can take a bus from Izmir to Manisa. It’s a short journey of about an hour. There are several bus companies operating this route. Alternatively, you can take a train from Izmir to Manisa.

From Manisa to Akhisar: From Manisa, you can take a bus or a train to Akhisar. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

What to pack for your visit to Thyateira (now known as Akhisar in Turkey) will depend on the time of year you are traveling and your planned activities. Here are some general recommendations:

Clothing: Summers can be quite hot, so light, breathable clothing is recommended. Winters are milder, but it can still get cold, especially at night, so pack some warmer clothes too. If you’re visiting religious sites, bring clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Always pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city and archaeological sites.

Protection Against the Sun: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential during the summer months, as the sun can be quite intense.

Rain Protection: Depending on the season, you might experience some rain, so a small umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket could come in handy.

Travel Adapters: Turkey uses type F power sockets, and the standard voltage is 220 V. Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may need an adapter or converter.

Health and Safety: Basic first aid kit, prescription medications if you have any, and some general medications like pain relievers, antacids, etc. Also, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance in case of emergencies.

Other Essentials: Don’t forget your passport, credit cards, cash, phone, and camera. A good travel guidebook can be handy, too.

Thyateira, now known as Akhisar, is a town located in Manisa Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. While there may be accommodation options in Akhisar, you may also want to consider staying in Manisa City or even in İzmir, both of which offer a wider variety of accommodation options and are relatively close to Akhisar.

Here are some suggestions:

In Akhisar:

Akhisar Grand Hotel: A good option right in Akhisar, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and is located close to local attractions.

In Manisa:

Anemon Hotel Manisa: A 4-star hotel with good facilities including a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.

Orucoglu Oreko Hotel: A comfortable hotel located in the city center, with easy access to public transportation.

In Izmir:

Swissotel Buyuk Efes Izmir: This is a luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of Izmir with extensive amenities.

Key Hotel: A boutique hotel with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Izmir – Alsancak: A comfortable and well-located hotel with good facilities.

This area typically has a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters.

In summer (June – September), temperatures often range between 30°C – 40°C (86°F – 104°F). While it can get quite hot, the Aegean Sea can bring cooling breezes.

During the winter months (December – February), temperatures can drop to around 5°C – 15°C (41°F – 59°F), with the coldest month usually being January. Winter also brings the most precipitation, so you can expect rainy days.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (October – November) are transitional seasons with milder temperatures and less rainfall than winter, making them a popular time to visit for many travelers.

The best time to visit Thyateira, now known as Akhisar, is typically in the spring (April through June) or in the fall (September and October). During these times, the weather is generally pleasant and mild, which is perfect for exploring archaeological sites and enjoying the local scenery.

Summers can be quite hot and may be uncomfortable for those unaccustomed to high temperatures, although it’s a great time if you’re interested in the region’s beaches.

Winters are typically mild but can be rainy, which might limit your ability to explore outdoor attractions.

Thyateira, known today as Akhisar, Turkey, has a long and fascinating history.

The city of Thyateira was small but commercially prosperous, originally founded by the Seleucid King Seleucus I Nicator in the 3rd century BC, possibly in 290 BC, for his Macedonian military veterans. It was named after his wife, Apama, who was native to the city of that name in Macedonia.

It was taken over by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. Under the Romans, it was a significant stop on the road from Pergamum to Laodicea. The city was known for its trade guilds – wool, linen, leatherwork, tanning, pottery, brass, and purple dye.

One of the important aspects of Thyateira’s history is its mention in the New Testament of the Bible. It is one of the seven churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation. A woman named Lydia from Thyateira, who was a seller of purple dye, was mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe.

During the Byzantine era, the city was a significant military and administrative center. It was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to various invasions.

The city was captured by the Seljuk Turks in 1090, and then in 1307, it was taken over by the Ottomans. The modern town of Akhisar grew up around the old city and continues to thrive to this day.

Thyateira, or modern-day Akhisar, Turkey, might not boast the “famous firsts” like some of the larger, more renowned ancient cities. Still, it has some significant contributions and notable aspects:

Biblical Significance: Thyateira’s greatest claim to fame is perhaps its mention in the New Testament of the Bible. It is one of the seven churches of Asia cited in the Book of Revelation.

Lydia of Thyateira: One of the most notable individuals from Thyateira is Lydia, a seller of purple dye, who was mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe. The purple dye trade was a significant industry in Thyateira.

Trade Guilds: Thyateira was renowned for its many trade guilds. Besides the famous purple dye, the city was known for its wool, linen, leatherwork, tanning, pottery, and brass trades. These guilds were so influential that they were integrated into the city’s religious and social structures, making Thyateira a unique case study for historians studying ancient trade guilds.

Military and Administrative Center: During the Byzantine era, Thyateira served as an important military and administrative center, displaying its strategic value.

The ancient city of Thyateira, now known as Akhisar, is located in western Turkey. The archaeological site, while not as well preserved as some other ancient cities in Turkey, still has several remnants from its past.

Ancient Ruins: Excavations have revealed numerous buildings from the Roman period, including houses, shops, and public buildings. The ruins are scattered throughout the modern town, and while they are not as grand or well-preserved as those in Ephesus or Pergamon, they give a glimpse into the city’s past.

Basilica: The remains of an early Christian basilica can be found in Thyateira, reflecting the city’s biblical significance as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation in the Christian New Testament.

Inscriptions: Numerous inscriptions have been found in Thyateira, many of which reference the numerous guilds in the city. These inscriptions provide valuable insight into the city’s social and economic history.

Thyateira Church: In Akhisar, there’s a church named after Thyateira, maintaining a connection with the past.

Akhisar Archaeology Museum: Although not exactly at the site, this museum houses many artifacts from the region and offers more insights into the history of Thyateira and the surrounding area.

The most famous person associated with the ancient city of Thyateira (now known as Akhisar in modern-day Turkey) is likely Lydia of Thyateira, mentioned in the Christian New Testament.

Lydia is described in the Bible as a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyateira, which was known for its dyeing industry in ancient times. According to the Acts of the Apostles, she was the apostle Paul’s first convert in Philippi and thus the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe.

Although there is limited historical data outside of the biblical account, Lydia is considered a significant figure in Christian history due to her role in the early Christian church. Her story is significant because she was a successful businesswoman at a time when women’s roles were typically more limited.

Despite the lack of information about her life outside of the biblical context, she is celebrated as a saint in several Christian denominations, and her conversion is seen as an important event in the spread of Christianity.

1. Visit the ancient ruins of Thyateira: Explore the remains of the ancient city, which include various artifacts and architectural fragments. The city was mentioned in the Bible’s Book of Revelation as one of the Seven Churches of Asia.
2. Explore the Akhisar Museum: Although small, it houses local archaeological finds and gives insights into the history of the region.
3. Visit the old houses of Akhisar: Many old, traditionally built houses are present in the town, which are excellent examples of local architecture.
4. Visit the local mosques: As with many towns in Turkey, Akhisar has several beautiful mosques, such as the Ulu Cami and the Hacirahim Mosque.
5. Local market (bazaar): Experience the local culture and cuisine by visiting the local bazaar.
6. Enjoy the local cuisine: Try regional specialties, such as dishes made from locally grown tobacco and olives.
7. Visit the surrounding countryside: The region is known for its beautiful landscapes, including olive groves and farmland.
8. Visit nearby Manisa: If you have more time, consider a trip to the nearby city of Manisa, which has a rich history and more to see and do.
9. Take a day trip to Izmir: The coastal city of Izmir is not too far away and has a lot to offer in terms of historical sites, beautiful views, and diverse cuisine.
10. Visit the other Churches of Revelation: Thyateira is one of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, and the other six (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea) are also located in modern-day Turkey.

The ancient city of Thyateira (modern-day Akhisar in Turkey) doesn’t boast a vast array of tourist attractions due to its small size and relatively less-preserved state compared to other archaeological sites in Turkey. Nevertheless, it does have historical significance and some points of interest:

Ruins of Thyateira: The city was one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation in the Bible. Though the site is not as extensively excavated as other ancient cities in Turkey, it still offers a glimpse into its rich history.

Akhisar Museum: This museum houses local archaeological finds and provides insight into the history of the region.

Local Mosques: As with many towns in Turkey, Akhisar has several beautiful mosques such as Ulu Cami and Hacirahim Mosque that are worth a visit.

Old Houses of Akhisar: These are excellent examples of local architecture, presenting an opportunity to see traditional Turkish houses.

While Thyateira (now known as Akhisar) itself might not have specific guided tours due to its smaller size and less extensively excavated ruins, many tour operators offer multi-day tours around Turkey that often include the Seven Churches of Asia Minor, one of which is Thyateira. These tours typically also cover other significant Biblical cities like Ephesus, Smyrna (Izmir), Pergamon, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

Here are a few examples of tours that often include Thyateira:

Seven Churches of Revelation Tours: These tours are generally aimed at religious or biblical history enthusiasts and include visits to the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Such tours offer deep insights into the history and biblical significance of these locations.

Western Turkey Tours: These tours cover a larger scope of historical and cultural sites in western Turkey. Aside from the Seven Churches, you might also get to see places like Istanbul, Troy, Gallipoli, and Pamukkale.

Custom Private Tours: You could hire a private guide to create a custom itinerary that includes Thyateira and other nearby sites you’re interested in.

Self-guided Tour: If you prefer more freedom, you can rent a car and drive to Akhisar yourself. This allows you to spend as much time as you’d like at each site. Remember to do some research and perhaps hire a local guide for the archaeological site itself.