Smyrna Agora
The word agora, meaning “open gathering place” in Greek, can be considered the city’s public square. Agoras were central areas in Ancient Greek cities where citizens gathered, discussed city matters, and conducted trade. Smyrna Agora suffered significant damage during the earthquake of 178 CE and was restored with the support of the Roman Emperor Marcus […]
Smyrna Ancient Theater
Located on the slope between Kadifekale and Smyrna Agora, excavations of the Smyrna Ancient Theater began in 2014, following the expropriation and demolition of houses built over it. According to findings from the excavations, the theater was first constructed in the 2nd century BCE. Like the Agora, it was affected by the earthquake of 178 […]
The History of the Ancient City of Smyrna
According to the accounts of the ancient writer Pausanias, while Alexander the Great was hunting in the Nemesis Sanctuary, he became exhausted and fell asleep under a majestic plane tree. In his dream, Nemesis appeared and instructed him to move the city to Pagos Hill (Kadifekale). Although it is not definitively known whether Alexander the […]