Perga

Capital of Pamphylia on Asia Minor's southern coast, on the Cestrus River a few miles inland from the sea. Paul and Barnabas landed there on their first missionary journey, and it was from Perga that John Mark turned back and returned to Jerusalem, a decision that later caused Paul and Barnabas to part ways (Acts 13:13; 15:36-39). Paul preached there again on his way home (Acts 14:25). Excavations at the site, now called Perge in Turkey, have uncovered a Hellenistic city gate, a large Roman theater and stadium, and a temple to Artemis of Perga, confirming its importance as a regional center in Paul's day.