Smyrna

The City

Smyrna sits at the head of the Hermaic Gulf, from which it is in excellent position to command the trade of the Hermus valley and gain access to the fertile Meander valley. The city was incredibly ancient even in antiquity, having been settled sometime before 1000 BC by Dark Age Greeks. Some even suggest it may have been the birthplace of the poet Homer. It was apparently destroyed and rebuilt frequently thereafter until it was rebuilt by Alexander the Great around Mt. Pagus in great splender and oppulence. Consequently, it was famous in the Roman Empire for fantastic wealth, buildings, and science and medicine.

Whatever its reputation, Smyrna commanded a rather small conventus throughout the 2nd Century AD. It consisted of only a handful of small towns and villages along the gulf coast, some twelve communities in all outside the city but tied up in its fortunes.

The epistle of the Church of Smyrna regarding Polycarp is striking for both the uncharacteristic villification of the Roman Empire, but also for the parrallels to the execution of Christ. Whatever the case, it seems oddly poignant that in the Revelation of John, it is Smyrna that is warned some will have to suffer for thier faith. Ignatius's epistles to both Polycarp and Smyrna are very friendly, suggesting great familiarity with the city, church, and bishop.

The Text

The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrneans

The Encyclical Epistle of the Church at Smyrna - Concerning the Martyrdom of Polycarp

Revelation 2:8-11 - The Letter of Christ to the Church in Smyrna