Antique Cities of Turkey - (Phokaia , Kolophon and Notion ,Ephesos, Myus, Sardis)

Phokaia


The first natives of the Ancient Phokaia settlement in the place of today's Old Foça are known as the immigrants who came from the Phokis environs in Greece. Phokaia which had two ports had grown in a short time and became one of the most important port cities of the ancient times. The city lost strength during the Persian rule in West Anatolia and could only join the lonian Revolt in 500-494 B.C. with three ships. Afterwards the city maintained it's free status, however the damage that the Persians caused was so great that Phokaia never regained its original magnificence.


Klazomenai


Klazomenai, which is known as a motherland of the famous thinker Anaxagoras and is one of the 12 cities of the Ionia Confederation, cannot be dated. However it is true that, the city which is said to have been established by the Kolophons in the spot of today's light. Iskele had moved to an island nearby (Karantina Island) at the time of the lonian Revolt to escape from the Persian threat. According to the historians Pliny and Pausanias, afterwards Alexander the Great built a road connecting this island to the land. An independent city during the Roman period Klazomenai was known as an important trade centre.

Kolophon and Notion


Kolophon (Değirmendere) is one of the twelve Ionian cities. Although it had a strong navy and cavalry force, it suffered many wars and has been ruled by forces of Lydia, Persia and Macedonia even at times by sea pirates. When Kolophon was destroyed by Lysimakhos in 302 B.C. its neighbouring city, Notion (Ahmetbeyli) gained importance. This city which claimed Homer's citizenship was also famous with its Klaros Temple and an oracle centre.


Ephesos


Ephesos, which was one of the twelve Ion cities, developed as a result of a union of Ionian immigrants with the natives living near the temple of Kybele. Afterwards, the spectacular temple built for this goddess who then took the name of the Greek Goddess Artemis, would be famous as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Like the other Ionian cities, Ephesos was ruled by Lydia, Persia, Macedonia and lastly by the Roman rulers. This city was one of the most popular cities of the ancient world and was given a special attention by many Hellenistic kings. For instance it is known that Lysimakhos built this city and gave it his wife Arsinoe's name, and that the king of Pergamon Attalos II, enlarged the port. Because the Romans made Ephesos the capital of the Asian State, the city became one of the biggest settlements in Anatolia. The city was an important centre for Christianity at this time.

Owing to its wonderful position and associated ports, Ephesos became Anatolia's biggest trade centre. The Celsus library, a theatre, a stadium, a gymnasium, temples and the famous baths are responsible for this city becoming a sport, religious, cultural and entertainment centre especially in the Roman times.


Myus


It is located near Avşar village, 15 kmto the east of Millets, at the shore of the Bafa Lake. Strabon stated that Myus was founded by Kydrelos, son of Kodros, the king of Athena. According to Strabon, it is one of the cities included in the Panionion Union. Herodotus stated that Persian fleet anchored to Myus off-shores in 499 BC. However, Herodotus declared that Myus took part in the Lade Sea War in 494 BC. with only three ships. Dionysus tempest of which name is being mentioned in ancient resources and which is made of white marble has been found during the digs. Today, we see in the city, some parts of Dionysus tempest, and rampart walls of theArchaic Period and the ruins of Byzantine castle.


Sardis


Sardis (Salihli/Sart) which was known as the capital of theLydia Kingdom was founded in the VIIIth century B.C. and was ruled by the kings: Gyges, Ardys, Sadyattes, Alyattes and Kroisos. The city was conquered by the Persian King Kyros in 546 B.C. and from then continued to function as a Persian garrison. Alexander the Great conquered the city in 334 B.C. and at that time the city becomes Hellenized. The city was then ruled by Syria, Pergamon and by the Romans in turn.

Sardis was known by its wealth and as a famous trade centre when it was the capital of Lydia Kingdom. Owing to the Paktolos who passed nearby the city and who had rich gold mines the wealth of the city became very famous. This city which minted the first coins in history in the VIIth century B.C., was the last stop on the famous King Road which started in Susa. Moreover, the city earned a considerable income from the famous Artemis temple which people from all over the ancient world visited.
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