Erythrae

Biblical References

There are no explicit references to Erythrae in scripture but some contend that "opposite Chios" (Acts 20:15) refers to a stop at Erythrae. See Dr Mark Wilson's, The Lukan periplus of Paul's Third Journey with a textual conundrum in Acts 20:15. Erythrae is, quite literally, 'opposite Chios': the island, if not the harbour town of the same name, is clearly visible from the acropolis.

Visiting the Site

Erythrae is at modern Ildır, north of Çeşme, on the Turkish mainland. If you are visiting Izmir and have transport, Ildır is about an hour's drive west. My visit, however, was by day ferry from Chios to Çeşme, and a local dolmuş (mini-bus public transport) to Ildır. The dolmuş route terminates by a small mosque and it is a short walk from there, up through the town, to the acropolis.

Access to the acropolis is signposted from the end of the street by the mosque and is free. The Heroon at the entrance way is not marked in anyway but the signboard at the theatre identifies it as such, and a number of other features in the area. The main features of the acropolis are the theatre, the remains of an 8thC BC Temple of Athena, and the shell of the later Matrone Christian church.

At the time of my visit (June 2019) the site did not appear to be well maintained and the temple ruins were quite overgrown.

Click here for a Google Earth view of the acropolis of Erythrae.

Erythrae Archaeological Site

The archaeological site marked in Google Maps is right by a casual car park and includes a Roman Villa. It is fenced off, with a sign saying that the enclosure is open from July to October. I wouldn't have a great deal of confidence in that.

The Theatre and Acropolis of Erythrae

A path giving access to the theatre and acropolis is runs from the (unmarked in June 2019) Heroon along the road up from the mosque.

A signboard below the theatre gives some detail about the site. There is no security or entrance fee.

Above left: The theatre on the lower slopes of the acropolis of Erythrae.

Above right: Looking over the scattered remains of the Temple of Athena to a standing wall of the Matrone Church, on the acropolis of Erythrae.

Left: Picturesque Ildır, from the acropolis of Erythrae.

Photos: 7 Jun 2019

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