Antandros, an ancient city near Altınoluk, Turkey to challenge world famous Ephesus
ANTANDROS is an ancient city near Edremit, Turkey. It is located on the western slopes of the KALETAŞI hill. The excavation work initiated in 2001 at a spot four kilometers away from the ALTINOLUK District of Edremit, Balıkesir and it is reported that archaeological findings in the ancient city go back to seventh and eighth Century before Christ.
The story of ANTANDROS goes as follows; The city was occupied by a tribe called KIMMERS for a while who came from the north – as told by STRABON. We come across the name ANTANDROS in the TROIA war, as well. AENEAS is a Trojan hero and the son of the goddess Aphrodite whose story of is told in “THE ROUTE OF AENEAS” a book written by VERGILIUS (Virgil), a poet of the Augustan period.
AENEAS also participated in TROAIAN war and In accordance with the Gods’ will he escaped from Troy after the downfall of the city with a wooden horse trick, together with his father Anchises and his son Ascanius in order to give a race to the Roman lineage. He came to ANTANDROS with people who survived the demolition of TROIA where he built 20 ships to sail to other destinations. A new task was given by the Gods to the hero which was to refound the city of Troy in the lands where they would be able to maintain Trojan descendants for centuries. The adventures of Aeneas continues from place to the other.
In the excavations in the ancient city, a necropolis (cemetery) used between the 7th and the 2nd century BC, the wall structure of the 4th century Roman villa with its floor mosaics and frescoes – forecasted to have been made in the 1st century and shops selling food, cosmetics and ceramic products have been found. At the time, the city exported timber from the KAZ Mountains in particular and was enriched this way.
Some of the findings are exhibited at the Bursa Archeology Museum. Many experts who have sufficient knowledge of the ancient ruins comment ANTANDROS could be another Ephesus for Turkey.
Detailed information can be obtained from ANTANDROS ASSOCIATION of Turkey which has all the way from beginning been the leading party regarding organization of excavations as well as funding and sponsoring activities.
Address: Abdullah Efendi Konağı, Çam mahallesi, Altınoluk, Edremit – Balıkesir
Telephone: 0266 395 01 00
Fax: 0266 395 01 00
Email: antandros1@yahoo.com.tr
