30/12/17
I visited another Wonder, the Temple of Artemis. Actually, It's ruined too, so I've merely came to the place where it once was.
In 356 BC, the temple was destroyed in a vainglorious act of arson by a man, Herostratus, who set fire to the wooden roof-beams, seeking fame at any cost; thus the term herostratic fame. For this outrage, the Ephesians sentenced the perpetrator to death and forbade anyone from mentioning his name; but Theopompus later noted it. In Greek and Roman historical tradition, the temple's destruction coincided with the birth of Alexander the Great (around 20/21 July 356 BC). Plutarch remarked that Artemis was too preoccupied with Alexander's delivery to save her burning temple.
There were heavy rains at the time, so the photos are not so great. On the other hand, there is not much to photograph, too. It was the first time when I had to use raincoats (and I tore one for the backpack this same day, goddamn!).
When the weather cleared, I was already in Bergama (contemporary name of Pergamon).
Having arrived there late in the day, I tried my best to reach Pergamon in golden hour, but the transportation uphill has already closed.
I persisted and made an attempt to reach it which meant to climb the mountain, following the road up. A very rewarding walk in terms of pretty views in sunset light, but I didn't reach the goal.
I encountered a car, with two men. They told me the place is already closed, and offered me a ride down. That offer was hard to refuse, considering the distance.
The next day I went there in the morning. The place teemed with chinese tourists, but otherwise was quite enjoyable.
More photos:
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Turkey: 21, 22, 23
Iran: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
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Kyrgyzstan: 4, 5, 6
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