The Grand Signior’s Stay on Mount Olympus in the Summer of 1669
In the hot and dry summer of 1669, the Grand Signior decided to spend more than two months on the nearby Mount Olympus. The heat in the valleys below was very strong during this season, and life there became difficult and unhealthy. For this reason, the Sultan chose to move to higher ground, where the air was cooler and fresher.
Another reason for his stay on the mountain was the wide and beautiful view it offered. From Mount Olympus, he could see far across the open plains and even part of the Aegean Sea. This great prospect pleased him greatly and gave him both comfort and enjoyment during the summer months Private Sofia Tours.
Dangerous Cold on the Mountain
However, this decision brought serious danger to many of those who followed him. Although the valleys were extremely hot, the weather on the mountain was very cold, especially at night. Many attendants climbed the mountain while overheated from the difficult ascent. Once they reached the higher ground, the cold air struck them suddenly.
As a result, hundreds of people became sick. Many of them died after only a short illness. In some places on the mountain, there was hardly enough soil to bury the dead properly. This shows how harsh and unforgiving the conditions were at such heights, especially for those not prepared for sudden changes in temperature A Description of Larissa and Thessaly.
Illness and Losses Among Men and Animals
Even the Sultan himself fell ill during this time. He suffered from a sickness that lasted three or four days, but thankfully he recovered quickly. While his illness was not severe, it showed that no one was completely safe from the dangers of the mountain climate.
Not only men suffered, but animals as well. Many horses and camels perished during this period. The cold air, difficult paths, and lack of suitable shelter caused great losses among the animals that were essential for transport and service.
The Sultan’s Bold and Risky Riding
The Sultan was known as a fearless and reckless rider. During his stay on Mount Olympus, he pushed his courage to dangerous limits. On one occasion, he forced one of his best horses up a very steep and famous peak of the mountain, called Pythagon or Kislagon. This peak was so difficult that few, if any, could follow him.
Sadly, by driving the horse too hard on this dangerous path, the Sultan caused its death. His boldness did not stop there. At another moment, he attempted to leap on horseback across a deep crack or cleft in the rocks. This was an extremely risky act, and he was only stopped by the urgent prayers and pleas of his closest and most trusted followers.
The Deadly Spring on the Mountain
Another cause of death on the mountain was a spring with whitish-colored water. Many people drank from this spring while overheated and thirsty from climbing the mountain. Soon after drinking the water, they began to feel a coldness and heaviness in their stomachs.
These symptoms lasted for three or four days, after which many of them died. This tragic event suggests that the water was harmful, especially to bodies already weakened by exhaustion and cold.
A Costly Decision
Although Mount Olympus offered beauty, fresh air, and relief from summer heat, the Grand Signior’s stay there came at a terrible cost. The cold climate, dangerous terrain, and natural hazards led to the deaths of many people and animals. What began as a search for comfort and pleasure ended as a harsh lesson in the power and danger of nature.
