Assos

Biblical References

Acts 20:13-14

Assos is mentioned in only in Acts 20:13-14 as the next stop, after a seven day stay in Alexandria Troas. This is part of Paul's journey back to Jerusalem, carrying the collection intended to relieve suffering among the believers there.

Assos lies at the southern extreme of the Troad and from its harbour they would eventually continue their journey south to Mytilene. While the rest of Paul's party travelled from Alexandria Troas to Assos by ship, Acts 20:13 reports that Paul made the journey on foot, but provides no explanation of why he chose to do so.

For an examination of some of the issues related to this walk see, Paul’s Walk to Assos: A Hodological Inquiry into its Geography, Archaeology, and Purpose by Glen L. Thompson and Mark Wilson.

Visiting the Site

My visits to Assos have all been part of Salvation Army study tours. Our practice has been to ascend the cobbled street, approaching the Acropolis from its northern slopes. It is necessary to run the gauntlet of the tourist trap stalls along the way. On the summit is a 6thC BC Temple of Athena and a magnificent view over the Gulf of Edremit towards the island of Lesvos. Mytilene, Paul and his companions' next stop, is on the south eastern coast of Lesvos.

I have not visited the other remains of Assos, just visible from the acropolis, distributed over the southern slopes. I'm not sure if I will have the chance of a solo visit?

Click for a Google Earth view of the location.

Pedestrian access to the Acropolis

It's a bit of a steep climb up the cobbled street, but the stalls along the way may tempt you into a slow meander anyway.

There is a mosque to the left that has a Star of David etched into a lintel, testimony to the changing purposes of buildings as time passes.

Temple of Athena

The standing columns of this 6thC BC temple are stunning against the background of the shimmering Aegean.

Below left: The Temple of Athena on the acropolis of Assos. Photo: 8 Jun 2012

Theatre of Assos

I have never been down this side of the acropolis. It's on my list if I get the chance to go back.

Above right: Remains of the city on the southern slope of the acropolis, visible from above. Note one corner of the cavea of the theatre, middle right.

Photo: 8 Jun 2012

Submerged breakwater of the old harbour

Switch the map at left to satellite view and the sunken remains of the old harbour are clearly visible.

I haven't been round here, so I'm not sure what is visible from 'on the ground'.

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