Ancient Cities in Izmir
Ancient Cities in Izmir
Ephesus Ancient City
Ephesus, which is connected to the Selçuk district of Izmir, ranks first among the ancient cities that should be visited in Izmir. This ancient ruin, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, was used as a settlement in 6000 BC. It developed over time and became one of the most important cities of the region. It has the most impressive city layout and architectural works of its period.
The settlement of the city was established around the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world. The ancient city of Ephesus, which has hosted many religions and civilizations, has many different precious architectural works. The most important structures of the city that have survived to the present day can be counted as the Celsus Library, the Temple of Artemis, the Ancient Theatre, the Hillside Houses and the King’s Road. The Celsus Library, which is the strongest building among them, fascinates the visitors with all its splendor. Some of the artifacts found in the excavations are exhibited in the British Museum in England and some in the Ephesus Museum.
Pergamon Ancient City
The ancient city of Bergama, which has a history of approximately 8500 years, is known as one of the oldest ancient cities. Also known as “Pergamon”, this ancient city is located within the borders of Bergama, 100 kilometers from Izmir. This city, which was the capital of the Pergamon Kingdom, is known as the birthplace of medical science. It is known that the double-headed snake, which is the symbol of medical science, was found in Bergama. Asklepion Hospital, known as the most comprehensive hospital in history, was established here and treatment methods such as psychotherapy, sports and mud bath were tried. At the same time, the fact that the tools used in medical science were found in the excavations here supports the importance of Bergama for medical science.
Bergama is a richly cultured city that has hosted many civilizations from the Hittites to the Pergamonians, from the Romans to the Ottomans. The most important places to visit in the ancient city can be counted as Asklepion Hospital, Pergamon Library, Pergamon Church, also known as Red Courtyard, and Athena Temple. The ancient city of Bergama has been under the protection of UNESCO since 2014.
Agora Ancient City
It is one of the rare ancient cities in the world located in the city center. It is a city established in Konak district of Izmir, between Kemeraltı Bazaar and Kadifekale. The word Agora means “bazaar, market place”. This region had large squares that were used for purposes such as shopping places, meeting places and political actions at that time. Built by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, the Agora includes a basilica, courtrooms and shops. The artifacts unearthed during the excavations bear traces of the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The theater and stadium located here cannot be visited today, but excavations continue.
Erythrai Ancient City
The word Erythrai is of Greek origin and means “Red City”. The reason why the ancient city was given this name is that the soil in the region is red. This ancient city, whose history goes back 5000 years, was established in the Ildırı neighborhood of Çeşme district of İzmir. Erythrai, which has a very important place among the 12 important Ionian cities of the ancient period, was ruled by the Lydian and Persian Civilizations.
Erythrai is an open-air museum and a large part of the city can be visited. There are many structures that can be visited inside, such as the Kybele Rocks, Heroon Theatre, Matrone Church, Athena Polias Temple. The church on the hill welcomes its visitors with an impressive Aegean view after a short climb. The ancient city of Erythrai is one of the places that vacationers who come to Çeşme should add to their travel lists.
Teos Ancient City
Another of the 12 ion cities is the ancient city of Teos. Teos, whose history dates back to 1080 BC, is located in the Seferihisar district of Izmir, within the borders of Sığacık District. Established on the Aegean coast, Teos was one of the important port cities of the period. The most interesting structure of the city, where there are many structures such as the port, the theater, the Bouletrion (the area where the assembly was held at that time), and the agora, is the Temple of Dionysus, which was built in the name of Dionysos, the protector of the city. This temple was known as the largest Temple of Dionysus at that time.
Another striking feature of Teos is its reputation as a city of artists. The center of the first artist union in history, consisting of musicians, poets and theater actors, is Teos.
