Flora and fauna of Miletus in springtime

Submitted by Iza on Sat, 03/29/2025 - 12:03

Text by our correspondent from Didim, Jay Jean Jackson.

Springtime in Miletus is a beautiful sight; the swallows have returned, displaying flashes of iridescent blue as they dart around with acrobatic agility. The asphodel is in full bloom, giving a wonderful array of colour in the foreground, where it grows amongst the fallen columns that lay strewn everywhere, creating a wonderful juxtaposition between ruins and nature. The backdrop of the ancient theatre which still stands proudly completes the picture, both the nature and the ruins have their roots and foundations anchored in many myths and legends.

Pirates of the Aegean - Julius Caesars capture

Submitted by Iza on Mon, 03/24/2025 - 10:35

Text by our correspondent from Didim, Jay Jean Jackson, with additional contributions from Chris Evans.

It is hard to imagine when you stare across the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coastline at the many islands dotted around that the area was once controlled by a ruthless bunch of pirates over 2,000 years ago.

According to Plutarch, the Greek philosopher, historian, biographer and essayist, the small Aegean Island of Pharmacusa (now modern-day Farmakonisi, Greece), south-west of Miletus, was where Julius Caesar, then a Roman nobleman, was held captive by these pirates for 38 days.

The Aegean coast of Turkey dotted with islands, view from the acropolis of ancient Erthrae

Reimagining Didyma's Sacred Way

Submitted by Iza on Wed, 03/19/2025 - 16:48

Text by our correspondent from Didim, Jay Jean Jackson, with contributions and edits by Chris Evans

Some 2,500 years ago, the annual spring festivities were starting in Miletus. They’d taken place, and would continue to do so, for many centuries. The atmosphere around Miletus and Apollo Temple would have been electric, as the crowds gather. It is a celebration to honour the Greek God Apollo, the God of music, dance and poetry, prophecy and oracles, archery, healing, and disease. The Cult of Apollo has begun.

The Ionic Stoa on the Sacred Way in Miletus

Miletus — The Birthplace of Western Philosophy?

Submitted by Iza on Mon, 03/10/2025 - 14:31

Text by our correspondent from Didim, Jay Jean Jackson, with contributions and edits by Chris Evans

Approximately 2500 years ago, there was a significant shift in the way people thought about life, the universe, and everything. Thales of Miletus moved away from mythology as a way of explaining the world and started exploring nature to understand the machinations of existence. However, he did not refute the presence of an array of gods who were believed to control every aspect of life.

I have read many articles on the fathers of philosophy, and there is much speculation about who can claim the accolade. Many authors, but not all, suggest Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle of Athens deserve the title. However, the Milesian School, comprising Thales, Anaximander and Anaximenes, was pre-Socratic. Thales was born 150 years before Socrates. So, should the title not belong to these residents of the ancient city of Miletus?