Istanbul (Byzantium) was  the centre of the ‘known’ world, the  Orbis Terrarum  the ’world Island’  as  shown above….drafted by Hecateus of Milas in 6th century B.C.E. where Straits divide Europe from Asia and are the link between East and West. These  were formed at the end of the Ice Age approximately 7,500 years ago when rising seawaters overflowed from the Aegean and Sea of Mamara  turning a landlocked  lake into the Black Sea. .…..

And tis now that  the myths start…..

Argos  to follow her through the  plains of Thrace. Argos fell asleep and Hera  furious had Argos killed…but decided to save his eyes….which she gave to the Peacock.

The earth’s very future was threatened. Zeus hurled a thunderbolt at the chariot. Nymphs followers of Phaeton were so devastated that their  tears turned to Amber and they became trees!

By 146 B.C.E Rome had taken Anatolia, now becoming ‘Asia Minor’ and added lands stretching south to Egypt and eastwards towards  the Persian Gulf. 

Helios had lost his son and was was now totally eclipsed  by Mithra the Invincible Sun god and patron of soldiers.

Road construction linked all the areas in the Empire …trade increased as caravans bringing  spices, silk and porcelain from the East returned  loaded with corn, wool, leather, olives, wine etc.

St Paul used these roads as he spread the Good News west while in Tarsus his father  no doubt had a flourshing business selling tents to travellers.

 All through Asia Minor were constructed geto Mythra, Sol Invictus, until…..Constantine orders his soldiers to fight with the sign of Chi-Rho emblazoned on their shields. He overcomes his rival Maxentius at the battle of the Milvian Bridge.… He now is  Caesar of East and West.. the ’Emperor’ erecting  a Colossus of himself in Rome, whose feet alone measured two metres! 

One cannot substitute St. Nicholas Island for Atlantis…However Oludeniz is the best place for a Mediterranean holiday!