Topical Encyclopedia Phaselis was an ancient city located on the southern coast of Asia Minor, in what is now modern-day Turkey. It was situated on a small peninsula between the Bey Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 16 kilometers southwest of the city of Antalya. The city was founded by colonists from Rhodes in the 7th century BC and became an important center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location along the maritime routes of the eastern Mediterranean.Historical and Geographical Context Phaselis was known for its three natural harbors, which facilitated its role as a bustling port city. The city's economy thrived on trade, particularly in timber, rose oil, and other goods. Its strategic position made it a significant hub for merchants traveling between Greece, Egypt, and the Near East. The city was also known for its cultural and architectural achievements, including its agora, theater, and aqueducts. Throughout its history, Phaselis came under the control of various empires and rulers, including the Persians, Athenians, and eventually the Romans. During the Roman period, Phaselis continued to prosper and was integrated into the Roman province of Lycia-Pamphylia. Biblical Significance While Phaselis is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its proximity to other significant biblical locations and its role in the broader historical and cultural context of the region make it of interest to biblical scholars and historians. The city was part of the Roman province of Lycia, which is mentioned in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul traveled through the region of Lycia during his missionary journeys. In Acts 27:5-6 , it is recorded that Paul sailed along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, regions adjacent to Lycia, before arriving at Myra, a city in Lycia: "When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board." Cultural and Religious Influence Phaselis, like many cities in the region, was influenced by a variety of cultural and religious traditions. The city was home to temples dedicated to Greek and Roman deities, reflecting the syncretic religious practices of the time. The presence of these temples indicates the city's integration into the Greco-Roman world and its participation in the religious and cultural life of the empire. The spread of Christianity in the region during the early centuries of the church likely reached Phaselis, as it did other cities in Asia Minor. The city's location along major trade routes would have facilitated the movement of people and ideas, including the message of the Gospel. While specific records of a Christian community in Phaselis are not extant, the broader context of Christian missionary activity in the region suggests that the city may have been exposed to early Christian teachings. Archaeological Discoveries Archaeological excavations at Phaselis have uncovered significant remains that provide insight into the city's history and development. These include the ruins of its harbors, city walls, streets, and public buildings. The well-preserved theater and aqueducts are notable examples of Roman engineering and architecture. These findings contribute to our understanding of the daily life, economy, and culture of Phaselis during its peak. In summary, while Phaselis is not explicitly mentioned in the biblical text, its historical and geographical context, along with its archaeological remains, offer valuable insights into the world of the New Testament and the spread of early Christianity in the region. Smith's Bible Dictionary Phaselisa town on the coast of Asia Minor, on the confines of Lycia and Pamphylia, and consequently ascribed by the ancient writers sometimes to one and sometimes to the other. 1 Macc. 15:23. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PHASELISfa-se'-lis (Phaselis): A city of Lycia in Southern Asia Minor, on the seacoast, near the boundary of Pamphylia, to which country some ancient writers have assigned it. Situated on the extreme end of a promontory which projected into the sea, and with high mountains in the rear, it was separated both politically and geographically from the rest of Lycia. Hence it may be understood how it early became the favorite haunt of pirates. Already in the 6th century B.C., when trade was carried on with Egypt, the city struck coins of its own; upon them the prow and the stern of a war galley were commonly represented. The coinage ceased in 466 B.C., but it was resumed about 400 B.C., when the city again became practically independent. For a time Phaselis was under the control of the Seleucid kings of Syria, but in 190 B.C. it again regained its independence or continued as a member of the league of Lycian cities (1 Maccabees 15:23). Before the beginning of the Christian era it had lost considerable of its earlier importance, yet it was still famed for its temple of Athene in which it was said that the sword of Achilles was preserved, and also for the attar of roses which was produced there. It figures little in early Christian history, yet in Byzantine times it was the residence of a bishop. Its site, now marked by the ruins of the stadium, temples and theater, bears the Turkish name of Tekir Ova. Library Book 2 Footnotes Greek and Jew Thesaurus Phaselis... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PHASELIS. fa-se'-lis (Phaselis): A city of Lycia in Southern Asia Minor, on the seacoast, near the ... /p/phaselis.htm - 7k Lycia (1 Occurrence) Phasiron Phaseah (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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