Ancient city of Magnesia located in the Germencik district of Aydın province, in Turkey

Magnesia was an ancient city located in the Germencik district of Aydın province, in modern-day Turkey. According to legend, it was founded by the Magnetes who came from Thessaly. The original location of the first Magnesia founded by the Magnetes guided by the prophecy of Apollo is unknown.

Diodorus mentions that due to continuous flooding of the Menderes River causing epidemic diseases and the threat of Persians, the city was moved by the Athenian Thibron around 400-399 BC. It is likely that Thibron relocated the inhabitants of Magnesia to the foothills of Mount Thorax (Silver) and protected them there, rather than founding a completely new city. Therefore, the Magnesia we know today was probably established at a later period.

The new Magnesia was a city enclosed by walls, covering an area of approximately 1300×1100 square meters, with a grid-planned system of streets and avenues. It held strategic and commercial significance being situated in the triangle formed by Priene, Ephesus, and Tralles. The fame and recognition of Magnesia extend to the designs and constructions attributed to the architect Hermogenes.

Excavations conducted between 1994 and 2001 in the Artemis sanctuary revealed a marble-paved ceremonial area between the temple’s altar and the agora. This ceremonial area, surrounded by deity reliefs measuring up to 3 meters, had sacrificial rings in front of it. Inscriptions called “Topos” indicating places for associations or groups participating in ceremonies were found on paving blocks flanking the area.

Another significant structure of Magnesia was its agora, which unfortunately is now submerged under silt. Access to the agora was through a sacred gate from the Artemis sanctuary, with the Propylon fully unearthed. The agora, with its 26,000 square meters and 414 columns, was one of the largest marketplaces of its time.

Among the other notable structures in Magnesia were:

– The partially visible Theatron, a structure left incomplete due to landslides, along with a 32-seat Latrina (public toilet).
– A Roman-era “Market Basilica” adorned with reliefs depicting the adventures of Skylla, the dog-legged creature, from Homer’s “Odyssey.”
– A replica of the Faustina Bath from Miletus, an Odeon, a Stadium, a Gymnasium focused on sports education, a Roman temple, and Byzantine walls.

Magnesia stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural achievements of ancient Anatolia.

for amazing pictures from the site go to
https://www.arkeogezgin.com/magnesia-antik-kenti/