What is…
Cnidus

also known as: Knidos, Turkey, Knidos Antik Kenti

Greek: Κνίδος —transliteration: Knidos —occurrences: 1 (Acts 27:7)

This wealthy ancient Greek city and harbor of Asia Minor is located on the extreme southwest of the peninsula of Doris (aka Triopium Promontory, Datça Peninsula, Cape Krio) on the coast of Caria (Καρία) whose capital was Miletus.

Its location was of strategic importance, making this port city with 2 harbors a center of trading. In ancient times it was connected to the island of Triopion by a causeway and bridge.

The Apostle Paul sailed past it on his voyage to Rome after leaving Myra (Acts 27:7).

Idolatry

The people of Cnidus were idolatrous and known for their Temple of Aphrodite. They also worshipped Apollo, Poseidon, Dionysus, the Muses, and the nymphs.

Famous residents of ancient Cnidus (Knidos)

• Eudoxus, ancient Greek astronomer, mathematician, physician to Artaxerxes II, and a lawmaker who was a student of Plato and Archytas
• Ctesias, a 5th century BC Greek historian who recorded the history of Persia, Assyria, Babylon, and a Persian account of India
• Sostratus, the builder of the celebrated Lighthouse of Alexandria (aka Pharos of Alexandria) which is estimated to have been at least 330 feet tall (100 meters), for centuries the tallest manmade structure in the world and one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World

Archaeology

Cnidus is now in modern day Turkey, where its ruins include an amphitheater, agora, odeum, temple of Dionysus, a temple of the Muses, columns, archways, sculpture, streets, city walls, and other well preserved architectural remains.

More information

• What is MYRA?
• Who is PAUL? What is his significance? Why was he traveling?
• What is MILETUS?
• About TURKEY in the Bible
• MERCHANTS in the Bible
• About IDOLATRY and false gods in the Bible
• What is the book ACTS OF THE APOSTLES?
• What are the CITIES OF THE BIBLE? Names, descriptions, locations and types
• Learn about Bible archaeology