Alexandria Troas

Biblical References

Acts 16:8-11

It was at Alexandria Troas that Paul experienced the so-called "Macedonian Call" that prompted his move from Asia to Europe (Acts 16:6-10), during his second missionary journey with Silas.

Acts 20:7-13

Paul visited Alexandria Troas again, staying for seven days, when returning to Jerusalem with the collected gifts from Achaia and Macedonia (Acts 20:5-13). Of course, the account of this visit also contains the first recorded occurrence of someone being bored to death by a sermon, literally! Fortunately, Paul was empowered by the Holy Spirit to restore Eutychus so, all in all, there was no damage done!

2 Corinthians 2:12

Paul makes reference to his visit to Troas as recorded in Acts 16

2 Timothy 4:13

Paul asks Timothy to bring with him some personal items he "left with Carpus in Troas". (NIV)

Visiting the Site

My visits to Alexandria Troas have always been as part of study tours for Salvation Army officers. I first visited in 2010, and then again in 2012 and 2013. Because my responsibility on these occasions was to ensure value for the group, and to keep them on schedule for the day's itinerary, I have not had the chance to roam freely over this site at my leisure.

When we first visited, the site was not open to the public. We had been given contact details for the caretaker of the site who let us in and proudly escorted us around 'his' site, with interpretation assistance from our guide. I believe it is now open to the public, with a ticket booth on site.

Click for a here for a Google Earth view of the location. The enclosed lagoon is a remnant of the ancient harbour.

View over ancient harbour

At this spot there is an old farm building looking down over the lagoon that was the ancient harbour. Our tour groups have used the shade of this building to have a devotional reflection on the significance of Alexandria Troas in the biblical narrative.

It is accessible by a foot track from the village.

Below left: What remains of the ancient harbour of Alexandria Troas. Photo: 18 June 2012

Submerged stonework from the old harbour.

Don't try to walk here! This is just identifying the fact that from the position above it is possible to see submerged evidence of the old harbour.

Above right: Recycled column sections forming part of the northern breakwater of the old harbour.

Entrance to the Archaeological site

If you're trying to find your way to the gate of the archaeological site, these coordinates should take you straight there.

Ancient Road

Once inside the archaeological site make sure you wander to this position. Here there is a section of road, which I understand to date from the 1st Century: your chance to walk where Paul (almost certainly?) walked.

Below left: The road from the city down to the harbour. Paul walked here!

Baths of Herodes Atticus

Just a short walk, or drive, inland from the gate, is the entrance to a foot track to the north of the road. This provides access to what remains of the Baths of Herodes Atticus.

Above right: Arches of the Baths of Herodes Atticus.

Theatre

I'm not sure if it is possible to access this location. I have never been here.

Click for a satellite view and the cavea of the theatre is clearly visible.

Stadium

Further to the south, this is the location of the ancient stadium.

I have not been here, either and I have no idea whether it is worth a visit, or even possible.

Next: Amphipolis

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