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.