Wearing your Woolies

Shepherd and flock, outside of Laodikeia, Türkiye.

I shot this photo hanging out the window and thinking about the ancient message to the church of the area. In the first century, Laodikeia was famous for its textile production (among other things). Glossy, black, and soft fleece tunics from here were coveted around the Mediterranean world. (These outer wraps were nicknamed trimata, suggesting either "three-shades" or "three knits." Laodikeia itself was even known as Trimataria or "trimata-town"!).

Not surprisingly, John of Patmos declared that the Laodikeians were not as well-covered as they thought themselves to be. He urged them to reconsider the source of their wealth and to trade in their iconic black shells for "white garments" (Gk, himatia). Read the critique for yourself in Revelation 3:14-22.

Interested in reading the Bible with fresh eyes? See biblical Türkiye and the ruins of Laodikea. We are headed back there this summer! For details, follow this link to the brochure.

The Thrift Store Band

Go for an evening stroll in Çorum, Türkiye, and you will undoubtedly meet some characters! It was a musical encounter, and of course, I ended up carrying home this old mandolin for my wall.

Will you join our band? We're returning to Türkiye June 27-July 8, 2026.

Harbor Road, Ephesus

View from the Theater to the Harbor (area).

Harbor Road, connecting the harbor of Ephesus to the Great Theater, was the path used by sailors and kings to enter the city. Built in the Hellenistic period, the road was not just lined with columns, colonnades, and sculptures, it was also lit with 50 street lamps after dark. Innovative for the period, it was one of only three illuminated streets in the Mediterranean basin.

We'll be returning to Türkiye and Ephesus next summer, June 27-July 8, 2026. Price is $3,300 (land only) for 12 days of archaeological illumination. You won’t find a better experience for the price!

Cold Turkey

I'll never forget a January tour to Türkiye about 20 years ago when we visited the site of Laodicia in a snowstorm. We operated as usual (note the map in the snow!) and our students were undeterred.

I am reminded of how Cyrus the Great surprised the Lydians by marching through "wintertime cold" to Sardis. Croesus, the Lydian king, had disbanded his army for the season, as was the habit in those days. I guess the Persians didn't get the memo. They did take Sardis tho! The year? 547 BC.

We won't face these challenges when we visit Sardis and Laodica next summer. Will you join us? Check out the details for this travel opportunity at:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55b8ecb6e4b083fd0d23d93f/t/683ee4dc3f94585b68120132/1748952294080/Turkiye+Program%2C+Wildman+2026.pdf

Note: For more on the wintertime defeat of the Lydians, see Herodotus's Histories (I.79-81 and I.84) or Xenophon’s Cyropaedia (2.1.6 and 7.1.23-28).

Mixed Interests

Now here's a nice mix of interests: White Storks (Ciconia ciconia) nesting on a Late Roman column in Ephesus.

Pilgrims come here to pray, study history, and probe New Testament connections.

Storks come here for the wetlands and balmy summers (so do some tourists). They arrive in mid-March and depart for Africa in August.

We aim to visit Ephesus next year in mid-March, late June, and late October. Join us for any one of these excursions as we explore the mysterious past and the amazing present of Türkiye.

Türkiye and the Early Church, 2026

Türkiye and the early church! Join us as we tour Istanbul and "the 7 churches of Asia Minor," June 27-July 8, 2026. This biblical archaeologist is teaming up with a dear friend and local (culinary) guide to offer a cultural-archeological-theological experience that you can savor. It's National Geographic quality at a Wal-Mart price! Inclusive land-only guided tour for only $3,300.

Find the link to the brochure by clicking here.

At a Crossroads

The site of Laodicea (Laodikea) is represented by remains found on a grassy ridge near the Lycus River in modern Türkiye. In the period of the NT it straddled a trade route and grew wealthy. Ongoing excavations here today offer testimony to the wealth of its generous patrons. Views in all directions suggests great fertility and beauty.

Laodicea is mentioned in the NT by the Apostles Paul (Col 4:13) and John. The latter includes it as one of the "Seven Churches of the Revelation" (Rev 3:14-22). Emphasis is placed on its admitted wealth: "You say, 'I am rich'; but the Spirit says "you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked." Counsel is given to seek a different kind of company and a wealth that endures.

We will be visiting the site of Laodicea on our Mar 31-Apr 11, 2025 tour of "Türkiye and the Early Church." This unforgettable journey is priced to go. Check out the details.

Sunset on the Dardanelles

Known by several names, the Dardanelles, the Hellespont, or the Strait of Çanakkale is a narrow body of water separating Europe and Asia. It is narrow but deep and forms a part of a system of waterways connecting the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

History here is deep and colorful as well. The site of Troy guards the western end of the strait, Gallipoli watches the east end. Imagine the traveler Odysseus sailing in the stretch.

My favorite story of the spot, however, comes from the hand of Herodotus. The Persian king Xerxes built pontoon bridges here to invade Greece. When the bridges were destroyed by a storm, he had the water cursed, whipped, and branded. He must have shouted, "That'll learn ya" (or something similar!).

I chuckle at the thought as I sit under an ancient oak tree with my camera and watch this sunset.

Bible Land Explorers are returning to the Dardanelles and Türkiye March 31 - April 11, 2025, to investigate classical, biblical, and modern connections. I would love to have you join us. This special engagement promises to be full of wonder and is unmatched in price ($3,300 land-only). Click below for more details.

In Descent

The wild landscape of central Türkiye. Got this shot in descent from Mt Nimrut a couple of years ago.

Curiosity and faith propel us to interesting corners of the world. We are fascinated by expressions of faith and seek to experience places connected with the early Christian movement. Türkiye, or ancient Asia Minor, was a home and a destination for NT-era travelers such as Paul, John, Timothy, and others. We seek to identify with their perspective and values.

We are forming a group to return to Western Türkiye, March 31-April 11, 2025. We won't be climbing any mountains this go-around, but the landscapes and sites will be equally fascinating. Ephesus, Miletus, Istanbul, and Troy will be among our stops.

Land-only price is $3,300. That number covers everything but your souvenirs and your flight. Hotels and food will be exceptional, I promise. Join us!

In Descent from Mt Nimrut

The wild landscape of central Türkiye. Got this shot in descent from Mt Nimrut a couple of years ago.

Curiosity and faith propel us to interesting corners of the world. We are fascinated by expressions of faith and seek to experience places connected with the early Christian movement. Türkiye, or ancient Asia Minor, was a home and a destination for NT-era travelers such as Paul, John, Timothy, and others. We seek to identify with their perspective and values.

We are forming a group to return to Western Türkiye, March 31-April 11, 2025. We won't be climbing any mountains this go-around, but the landscapes and sites will be equally fascinating. Ephesus, Miletus, Istanbul, and Troy will be among our stops.

Land-only price is $3,300. That number covers everything but your souvenirs and your flight. Hotels and food will be exceptional, I promise. Join us!