FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX: Priene, Miletus and Didyma

Sunday 17 December 2023

Priene, Miletus and Didyma

Priene Temple of Athena. Built around 350 BC

Today was the day for Greek antiquities. The three sites we visited, Priene, Miletus and Didyma, were all ancient Greek cities or sanctuaries, all hailing back 3rd to 7th century BC. By now, I was getting all muddled with who was who and who conquered who when. But one thing was a stand out, these people were smart enough to build amazing structures with "mod cons" like plumbing that was seemingly lost for so long afterwards.

The second thing that crossed my mind was that some of these sites who so unprotected, It felt wrong to be walking all over structures hundreds of years old albeit in ruins. Our guide did say that in some ways, it was a blessing that some of the better preserved monuments were "stolen" by the British and German as at least it was well preserved rather than being graffitied on by locals. As our older two climbed all over the giant ruins, it did cross my mind that the child who would have appreciated the history the most was not here!

Last but not least...fun fact for the day! The river than the word "meander" was derived from is here! The river did have a tortuous course and once upon a time was a waterway between Miletus and Didyma.

One of our favourite parts of the day, having our Starbucks coffee and enjoying the view

First stop Priene. As with most good ancient city history, it was built on several sites over history. The current site which we visited was built around 350BC. It was lovely to explore ruins in the hills amongst trees and with no one else around. The strewn rocks everywhere made it look like a Lord of The Rings film set.

Early morning exercise

brought out the Rocky in my mother

Beautiful view of the farmlands below

Smart enough to have a columns with multiple outlets redirecting water into pipes

We were so high up and in the middle of nowhere that we saw a shepherd and his sheep!

Ruin amongst the trees

Greek Drama

at the Greek Theatre

Basilica

Jigsaw puzzle anyone?

Still not sure how this is "fun"

The Sacred Hall...not so sacred anymore

Second stop Miletus. I forget its significance other than being at the mouth of the river Meander! But Miletus is old, I mean at least 2000BC old. And prior to Persian in the 6th century BC it was one of the wealthiest Greek cities.

Our final stop was Didyma, by this stage the brain was incapable of absorbing any more facts. Too many rebuilds!!! Most important fact, we were looking at the Temple of Apollo.