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What route did St. Ignatius of Antioch take as a prisoner on his way to Rome?
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St. Ignatius of Antioch
Painting of St. Ignatius of Antioch, tempera and oil paint on panel by an anonymous artist, 1400–99.
St. Ignatius of Antioch was taken prisoner in Antioch during a persecution and escorted by a unit of soldiers toward Rome for his martyrdom.12
His journey proceeded through Asia Minor, with a significant stop in Smyrna, where he was received by St. Polycarp and met by delegations from nearby churches, including Ephesus, Magnesia ad Maeandrum, and Tralles. From Smyrna, he traveled to the district of Troas to await embarkation for Rome. While historical documentation of his specific path ends there, it is noted that he and his companions passed through Philippi in Macedonia during their journey.1