Türkiye’s unique position at the crossroads of East and West has profoundly shaped its culture throughout history. This cultural richness is especially evident in the ancient cities and archaeological sites scattered across the country’s Aegean region. Here, remnants of various ancient civilisations offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Ephesus: A City that Rivalled Rome
Located 80 km inland from the coastal city of İzmir, Ephesus is one of Türkiye’s most significant and best-preserved ancient cities. Founded in the 10th century BC by Attic-Ionian colonists, Ephesus flourished during the Roman period as a major trade and cultural hub. At its height, it had a population of 250,000 and was once said to rival Rome in grandeur.
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Ephesus was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. Notable ancient structures that still stand today include:
- The Temple of Artemis – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, dedicated to the Ephesian form of the goddess Artemis, connected to the Anatolian Mother Goddess.
- The Library of Celsus
- The Temple of Hadrian
- The Open-Air Amphitheatre
- Multiple agoras, aqueducts, Roman baths, and houses with frescoes and mosaics.
Ephesus was also a major centre of early Christianity. It is believed to be the final resting place of the Virgin Mary and the place where St. John wrote his gospel. Key religious sites include:
- The House of the Virgin Mary
- The Basilica of St. John
Pergamum: Centre of Knowledge and Healing
Situated near the modern town of Bergama, the ancient city of Pergamum is another UNESCO World Heritage site. It dates back to the 3rd century BC and served as the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty. Pergamum remained a major political, cultural, and scientific centre in antiquity.
Key highlights of the site include:
- The Acropolis, located on a hilltop and accessible by aerial lift
- The Amphitheatre
- The Temple of Trajan
- The Pergamum Altar (foundations only)
At the base of the acropolis lies the Sanctuary of Asclepius, one of the ancient world’s foremost healing centres. Treatments here included:
- Mud baths
- Music therapy
- Water therapy
Pergamum was also renowned for its parchment production. The Library of Pergamum reportedly held nearly 200,000 volumes, second in fame only to the Library of Alexandria. Visitors can also explore the Bergama Museum, which showcases artefacts unearthed from the site.
Hierapolis: Ancient Spa City of Healing
The ancient city of Hierapolis, founded in the 2nd century BC by Eumenes II of Pergamum, was known for its natural thermal springs. These calcite travertines filled with warm, mineral-rich waters still feed the modern spa town of Pamukkale.
Believed to possess healing properties, these springs made Hierapolis a flourishing health centre during the Hellenistic period. Today, visitors can explore:
- The ruins of ancient baths
- Other monuments and structures
- Cleopatra’s Pool, a thermal spring said to have been used by the Egyptian queen herself
Other Notable Ancient Sites in the Aegean Region
In addition to the major cities mentioned above, Türkiye’s Aegean region boasts a wealth of other ancient archaeological treasures, including:
- Miletus
- Aizanoi
- Aphrodisias – Another UNESCO World Heritage Site
These sites offer well-preserved ruins that provide an exceptional opportunity to delve into the ancient history and rich culture of this fascinating part of the world.
