Jump to content

Agora of Smyrna

Agora of Smyrna
İzmir Agorası
Alternative nameAgora of İzmir
Locationİzmir, Turkey
Coordinates38°25′08″N 27°08′16″E / 38.41889°N 27.13778°E / 38.41889; 27.13778
History
MaterialMarble  
Founded4th century BC  
Site notes
Excavation dates1933–present
Public accessYes

The Agora of Smyrna, alternatively known as the Agora of İzmir (Turkish: İzmir Agorası), is an ancient Roman agora located in Smyrna (present-day İzmir, Turkey). Originally built by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, the agora was ruined by an earthquake in 178 AD.[1] Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius ordered its reconstruction.[2] Excavations started in 1933.[1] In 2020, the Agora of Smyrna became a Tentative World Heritage Site as part of "The Historical Port City of Izmir."[3]

Buildings and structures of the agora

  1. Faustina Gate
  2. Ancient Street[4]
  3. North Stoa (Basilica)[5]
  4. West Stoa
  5. Graffiti
  6. Corinthian colonnade
  7. Ottoman-era Muslim graveyard[6]
  8. House of Sabbatai Zevi[7]

Recent Discoveries and Features

Recent excavations at the Agora of Smyrna have revealed several noteworthy features:

  • A functional 2,000-year-old water trench, highlighting the advanced engineering of the period.
  • Graffiti on the basilica wall, believed to be the world's first crossword.
  • Evidence suggesting coexistence among Muslims, Christians, and Jews, as indicated by candles featuring the Star of David.
  • Ongoing excavations are currently focused on Ottoman-era graveyards.

[Source: [Daily Sabah](https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2016/10/31/smyrna-agora-a-historical-and-architectural-treasure)]

References

  1. ^ a b İzmir - Agora
  2. ^ İzmir'in kent merkezindeki 1800 yıllık 'Tarihi Agora'
  3. ^ "The Historical Port City of Izmir". UNESCO. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  4. ^ "Main street revealed in agora of Smyrna". Hürriyet Daily News. 19 March 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  5. ^ Graffiti from the Basilica in the Agora of Smyrna
  6. ^ Smyrna Agora a historical and architectural treasure
  7. ^ Cortijo de Sevi: Kültür Mirası Sabatay Sevi'nin Evi'nin Geçmişi, Bugünü ve Geleceği

Media related to Agora of İzmir at Wikimedia Commons

See what we do next...

OR

By submitting your email or phone number, you're giving mschf permission to send you email and/or recurring marketing texts. Data rates may apply. Text stop to cancel, help for help.

Success: You're subscribed now !