Perga: Hellenistic Gate, Colonnaded Street and Stadium
The city where John Mark turned back, excavated by Turkish archaeologists since 1946
Found 1946 — Arif Müfid Mansel, Istanbul University (1946, systematic from 1953); Jale İnan (1975–1988); Haluk Abbasoğlu (1988–2012); Sedef Çokay Kepçe (Antalya Museum / Istanbul University, since 2012)
Where Perge, Aksu, Antalya Province (Turkey)
Dates from Gate towers 3rd century BCE, remodelled 120–122 CE; stadium 2nd century CE · Hellenistic–Roman · Paul's first journey (Acts 13–14)
Now at In situ; sculpture (including the statue of Plancia Magna) in Antalya Archaeological Museum
How Perga: Hellenistic Gate, Colonnaded Street and Stadium was found
Mansel opened the first Turkish-led excavation of a classical city at Perga, clearing the south gate area and theatre. Later directors uncovered the colonnaded street with its water channel, the agora, baths, the nymphaeum and dozens of statues now in Antalya Museum.
What it is
Two round Hellenistic towers flanking the city gate, whose horseshoe court was rebuilt in marble by the priestess Plancia Magna in 120–122 CE with statues of the city's legendary founders; a 300 m colonnaded street with a central water channel; Roman baths; and one of Turkey's best-preserved stadiums (234 by 34 m, about 12,000 seats).
Why it matters for the Bible
Paul, Barnabas and John Mark landed at Perga from Cyprus, and here Mark left them and went home (Acts 13:13) — the quarrel that later split Paul and Barnabas. On the return leg Paul 'preached the word in Perga' (14:25). The Hellenistic gate through which they walked still stands, and the excavations show a rich Pamphylian city dominated by the cult of Artemis Pergaia. Nearby Attalia, where they sailed home, keeps Hadrian's Gate of 131 CE as its chief Roman monument.
The Hebrew word: ah-ZAV
עָזַב
עָזַב is pronounced ah-ZAV and means to leave, forsake — the word behind Paul's complaint that Mark 'departed from them' at Perga (Strong's H5800).
People this discovery connects to
- John Mark — יוֹחָנָן מַרְקוֹס (yo-chah-NAHN MAR-kos) — Yochanan called Markos
- Barnabas — בַּר־נַבָּא (bar-nah-BAH) — Aramaic 'son of encouragement' (Acts 4:36)
Places
- Perga — פֶּרְגִּי (PER-gee) — Greek Perge
- Attalia — אַטַּלְיָה (ah-tahl-YAH) — Greek Attaleia, modern Antalya
Events
Arrival in Pamphylia on the first journey · John Mark's departure · Paul preaches at Perga
Perga: Hellenistic Gate, Colonnaded Street and Stadium in Scripture
Acts 13:13 Paul's party reaches Perga; John Mark returns to Jerusalem.
Acts 13:14 One of only 3 verses that name Perga.
Acts 14:25 Paul preaches in Perga and goes down to Attalia to sail home.
Questions people ask
What is Perga: Hellenistic Gate, Colonnaded Street and Stadium?
Two round Hellenistic towers flanking the city gate, whose horseshoe court was rebuilt in marble by the priestess Plancia Magna in 120–122 CE with statues of the city's legendary founders; a 300 m colonnaded street with a central water channel; Roman baths; and one of Turkey's best-preserved stadiums (234 by 34 m, about 12,000 seats).
When was Perga: Hellenistic Gate, Colonnaded Street and Stadium discovered?
It was found in 1946 by Arif Müfid Mansel, Istanbul University (1946, systematic from 1953); Jale İnan (1975–1988); Haluk Abbasoğlu (1988–2012); Sedef Çokay Kepçe (Antalya Museum / Istanbul University, since 2012), at Perge, Aksu, Antalya Province.
Where is Perga: Hellenistic Gate, Colonnaded Street and Stadium today?
In situ; sculpture (including the statue of Plancia Magna) in Antalya Archaeological Museum.
Which Bible verses does Perga: Hellenistic Gate, Colonnaded Street and Stadium relate to?
Acts 13:13, Acts 13:14, Acts 14:25.
Related discoveries
- בֵּית הַכְּנֶסֶתPisidian Antioch: Temple of Augustus and the Res Gestae CopyImperial-cult city where Paul preached his first recorded sermon
- אֱלִילִיםLystra Inscription and the Zeus–Hermes Cult StonesThe stone that located Lystra and the local worship of the two gods Paul was mistaken for
- מָשִׁיחַCave Church of St Peter, AntiochThe grotto where tradition says the first 'Christians' met
- נֶחָמָהSalamis: Gymnasium, Theatre and the Tomb of BarnabasThe first port of Paul's first journey and the home city of Barnabas
- נְצִיבSergius Paulus InscriptionsStones from Cyprus, Rome, and Pisidian Antioch naming the proconsul who believed
- כּוֹסAntioch-on-the-Orontes: Mosaics and the 'Chalice of Antioch'The city where disciples were first called Christians — and a famous silver cup that is not what it seemed
Sources
- Perge (Turkish Archaeological News)
- Perge (World Archaeology)
- Hadrian's Gate at Antalya (Following Hadrian)
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