Secrets of Archaeology Season 1 Episode 26 Ancient Itinerary In Ionia

The season 1 finale episode of Secrets of Archaeology is named Ancient Itinerary In Ionia. The episode opens with a beautiful aerial view of the Ionian coast in present-day Turkey, a region rich in ancient Greek and Roman history. The narrator explains that the ancient Greeks were skilled sailors, who sailed across the Aegean and Ionian seas to establish colonies along distant shores. The Ionian coast was once the gateway from Greece to the East, and in this episode, viewers follow the journey of a Greek traveler who ventured through the region in the 2nd century BCE.

The show takes viewers on a journey of discovery, visiting the ancient sites that the Greek traveler would have encountered on his journey. Archaeologists and historians share their insights into the sites, offering up a wealth of knowledge on the region’s rich history. The itinerary starts in the ancient city of Smyrna, now known as Izmir, an important commercial center in ancient times. We discover how the city was built and how its Roman-era architecture has influenced modern urban planning in the region. The journey continues through Phocaea, an important naval base in the region, and the birthplace of many Greek philosophers, including Anaxagoras and Xenophanes.

The episode also explores the ruins of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was the center of religious life in the region, and the show reveals the importance of Artemis, the goddess of hunting and fertility, to the ancient Greeks. Visitors can appreciate the magnitude of the temple, which was once the size of a football field, and the intricate detail of the marble carvings that adorned it.

The show also features the ancient city of Miletus, once a thriving hub of trade and commerce in the region. Viewers are treated to a tour of the city’s impressive ruins, including the famous Greek theater, which could seat up to 15,000 people, and the Lion Harbor, which was once the city’s main port. Archaeologists have excavated Miletus extensively, and we learn how the city would have looked in its prime, with its colorful houses, bustling markets, and impressive monuments.

The final leg of the itinerary takes viewers to the coastal town of Didyma, where the Greek traveler would have visited the ancient oracle of Apollo. The site was one of the most important religious centers in the ancient world, and its sacred precincts were visited by pilgrims from all over Greece. The show unravels the mysteries of the oracle and reveals how it influenced the daily lives of the Greek people. Viewers can marvel at the stunning ruins of the Temple of Apollo, with its towering columns and intricate carvings.

Overall, Ancient Itinerary In Ionia is an informative and entertaining episode that provides viewers with a glimpse into the world of ancient Greece. The episode is well-paced, with stunning visuals of the ancient sites and helpful expert commentary that brings the history of the region to life. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for an interesting travelogue, this episode of Secrets of Archaeology is sure to delight and inform.