Day 1,443

Magnesia

After leaving Ephesus we debated, do we need to visit any more ruins? Surely nothing could top this? Well, I had a hankering to visit the remains of an ancient stadium and as we would literally be cycling almost right past one it seemed daft not to. 

Our destination was the city of Magnesia. Built on the slopes of Mount Thorax, in a very fertile valley, with the river Lethacus running by it, and just a few miles from Ephesus. Excavations have revealed a theatre, the Artemis temple, Greek statues, a bath house, library, market hall and more. Me though, I wanted to visit the stadium, the best preserved in this region, and it didn't disappoint. Magnesia was known as the ‘City of Races’, with thousands attending its many sporting events, from athletic competitions, gladiatorial fights and chariot races. There was seating for 30,000! We were able to wander as we liked, just Tom and I, no other visitors, but I swear, when I closed my eyes, I could hear the roar of thousands.