Supreme Smyrna Chapter 6

This chapter will explore the cultural background of ancient Smyrna, an ancient Greek city located in western Anatolia. We will cover the origin of the name Smyrna, the geography and history of the city, the population of Smyrna, its role as a great trade city and a beautifully cultured city, its prominence as a political city, and its thriving religious life.

     The name Smyrna is believed to have been derived from the Greek word smyrná, meaning “myrrh”, a resin used in incense and perfumes.

     Smyrna was located in a strategic position on the west coast of Anatolia, overlooking the islands of Chios and Lesbos. It was divided into an upper and lower city, both of which were surrounded by walls.

    The history of Smyrna can be divided into four periods: the ancient period, the Archaic period (or “old Smyrna”), the Alexandrian period (or “new Smyrna”), and the Roman and Byzantine periods.

      The population of Smyrna was composed of Greeks, Romans, Jews, and other minorities. It was a great trade city, renowned for its wealth, and was known for its beautiful culture, with many public works and monuments. The city was famous for its aqueduct, gymnasium, stadium, and theater.

     Smyrna was also a prominent political city, with many coins depicting the goddess Homonoia (“concord”) to commemorate the city’s spirit of unity. It also had a state agora, where government meetings were held.

     Smyrna was also a thriving religious city, with a Jewish community and a Christian community. The city was the site of the martyrdom of several Christian saints, and was known for its many temples dedicated to the imperial cult.

    In conclusion, this chapter will explore the many facets of ancient Smyrna’s vibrant cultural background. From its origin and its geography, to its history, population, trade, culture, politics, and religion, this chapter will provide an in-depth look into the culture of ancient Smyrna.

 

Video Introduction

 For Chapter on the Exegesis of Smyrna see LINK

 

THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME ..........p. 151

THE GEOGRAPHY OF SMYRNA ..........p. 153

• Fig. 43. Bust of Emperor Tiberius Caesar Augustus.

THE HISTORY OF SMYRNA..........p. 153

• The ancient period ..........p. 153
• The Archaic period: old Smyrna ..........p. 154
• The Alexandrian period: new Smyrna ..........p. 154
• The Roman period ..........p. 155
• The Byzantine period ...........p. 155

THE POPULATION OF SMYRNA ..........p. 157

SMYRNA: FIRST IN ASIA ..........p. 158

• Fig. 44. Harbor of Izmir (Smyrna) from Mount Pagus.

A GREAT TRADE CITY ...........p. 160

A BEAUTIFULLY CULTURED CITY ..........p. 160

• Fig. 45. Homōnoia coin from Smyrna with three temples.

• The aqueduct ..........p. 161
• The gymnasium..........p. .. 161
• The stadium ..........p. .. 162
• The theater ..........p. 162

• Fig. 46. Stao of the commercial agora, Smyrna

A PROMINENT POLITICAL CITY ..........p. . 163

• Homonoia coins ..........p. 163
• The state agora..........p. 163

• Fig. 47. Portrait of Faustina the Younger.
• Fig. 48. Faustina the Younger, wife of Marcus Aurelius.

A THRIVING RELIGIOUS CITY............p. 166

• A city of the imperial cult..........p. 166

• Fig. 49. Priest of the imperial cult at Smyrna.

• A city of temples ..........p. 169
• The Jewish community ..........p. 170

• Fig. 50. Stained glass of Polycarp.
• Fig. 51. Martyrdom of Polycarp, St. Polycarp.

• The Christian community ..........p. 177

• The martyrs of Smyrna ..........p. 178 

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Updated Dec. 6, 2023