Miletus

my-LEE-tus · Modern Balat (near Didim), Aydın Province, Turkey

Miletus is a city of the biblical world, known today as Balat (near Didim), Aydın Province, Turkey.

What is known

Where Paul gave his emotional farewell address to the Ephesian elders, telling them they would never see his face again (Acts 20:17-38)
Where Paul later left his companion Trophimus, who was ill (2 Timothy 4:20)

History

Founded: An ancient Ionian Greek city, a major port under Rome
Population: Estimated 20,000–40,000 residents in the 1st century AD, reduced from its Classical-era peak
Coordinates: 37.5303° N, 27.2783° E

Archaeology

Excavations since 1899 uncovered a massive Greco-Roman theatre rebuilt in the 1st century AD to seat over 15,000, the Faustina Baths, and the Bouleuterion council house. Silting of the Maeander River has left the once-coastal harbor city stranded roughly 10 km inland today.

Left entrance of the ancient Greek theatre at Miletus — source & licence

Outside view of the Miletus theatre with a Byzantine fortress built atop it — source & licence

Scripture references

Acts 20:15-38
2 Timothy 4:20

On a modern map

Miletus today

More places

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