Priene - Miletus - Didyma

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Priene, Miletus and Didyma are neighboring cities.

Even in ancient times, the three regions were closely

interrelated.

What could be better than to visit the three fabled cit-

ies? On the following pages you will find moments and

impressions of this fantastic ancient area.

THE IDEA

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PREFACE

Hundreds of travel guide and travel accounts are flooding the

market. Printed or in electronic form, in part, very extensive and

detailed.

But what if you are planning a short vacation, or simply around trip to and not nearly have the time to work through hun-

dreds of facts and details?

All who wish to enjoy the beauty of the region and the wonderful

artwork this series of books is dedicated to.

The first book deals with the Aegean Coast and here in particular

with the places Priene, Miletus and Didyma.

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IDEE UND FOTOSRUDOLF J.STRUTZ


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My books are illustrated companions indicating short and concise

history, region and the visual impressions.

One or the other tip in the region round the picture and help the

reader to gain a quick overview.

The book can be experienced the best, using an iPad, but there is

also a version in Acrobat PDF file that has a few limitations. If you

have accepted the book on the iBookstore, you will continuously re-

ceive information from Apple, when in the existing book changes oc-

cur.

Enjoy reading and exploring the spectacular region of the Turkish Ae-

gean, a journey that you can take at any time.

I look forward to your comments, suggestions and comments. You

can contact me either through my website: jr-design.net using myemail address [email protected]. A few quick tips before you

plunge into the matter:

FOOTWEAR

Remember that the places described in this book are already severalthousand years old. The roads and sidewalks of yesteryear have be-come rougher. As "standard visitor" you do not need hiking boots,but your feet will be very grateful for your choice of a slightly morestable shoe.

RAIN-COVER

If you visit the region in the winter, meaning the more rain intensetime, a rain protection - not necessarily an umbrella - will be of greatadvantage. If you have a camera, you should also remember to pro-tect this electronic device from rain.

DRINKS

Don't forget to bring something to drink along (water might be best),the roads are sometimes very difficult and at a rest stop on a stone,you could treat yourself to a drink from the bottle brought.

GARBAGE

It is understood that no garbage should remind others of your visit.Even cigarette butts are trash!

ANIMALS

In Turkey there are anywhere where tourists are traveling many dogsand even more cats. Please remember whilst feeding these animals,they are not necessarily cuddly toys.

NO CLIMBING

If you visit a theater, you can of coursego up into the highest ranks. Cautionshould be exercised, because thestones could partly be slippery and thespectator areas are relatively steep.That the stairs have suffered a bit un-der the test of time, you will also real-ize. In no case, however, you should

climb on statues or houses that can eas-ily go into the eye.

RESTROOMS

In most archaeological sites, near the entrance there is either a pub-lic restroom or a pub with a restroom. Dont forget the small change!In the ancient places themselves are no toilets, so please think aboutit in any way.

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mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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This historical map shows the wealth of mystical sites of

antiquity.

Travelers to this mysterious region are easily falling into

dreams. Go with open eyes, and especially with an

open mind on the trip and let you inspire by the impres-

sions.

THE REGION

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PRIENE - MILET - DIDYMA

From Izmir, the third largest city of Turkey, these three historic sites

are easily accessible in a day. The route from Izmir to the first station

Priene is about 130 km long

GOOGLE MAPS - INTERNET LINKS

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http://goo.gl/maps/ykwachttp://goo.gl/maps/ykwachttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Asia_minor_p20.jpghttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Asia_minor_p20.jpghttp://goo.gl/maps/B8Gr9http://goo.gl/maps/B8Gr9


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PRIENE

Our journey begins in the ancient city of Priene, which lies in the

mountainous environment of Mycale Mountains.

INTERNET LINKS

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http://goo.gl/maps/jDdAkhttp://goo.gl/maps/jDdAkhttp://goo.gl/maps/eHt7Whttp://goo.gl/maps/eHt7W


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MILET

Along a mountain ridge, on which there is a national park, it goes be-

yond the meandering alluvial land to Miletus.


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http://goo.gl/maps/NNjKKhttp://goo.gl/maps/NNjKKhttp://goo.gl/maps/HS4Vchttp://goo.gl/maps/HS4Vc


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DIDYMA

A few kilometers away in Didyma, lies the very impressive Temple of

Apollo, which is under the management of Miletus.


These links will only work if your device is connected to the Internet. The links will open its own

window outside of this book! Double-click on the start button of the iPad and you can return to

the book.

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http://goo.gl/maps/jDdAkhttp://goo.gl/maps/jDdAkhttp://goo.gl/maps/qr6vJhttp://goo.gl/maps/qr6vJ


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Priene is located in the north of Miletus on the moun-

tainous peninsula of Mycale. The steep mountain is up

to 1,265m high.

The rugged rising Mykale mountains poses because of

its steep slopes and difficult passages are still holding

some secrets from ancient times.

PRIENE

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS

It is not known exactly where the first settlement of Priene lies. It

is clear that Priene was part of the Ionian cities and fulfilled the

role as protector of the federal sanctuary Panionion.

The Panionion lies north of Priene in Mykale Mountains on a sealevel of about 750 meters. Discovered was that famous and often

mentioned sanctuary in 2004 by German archaeologists.

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THE 7 SAGES OF GREECE

Thales of Milet

Pittakos of Mytilene

Bias of Priene

Solon of Athen

Kleobulos of Lindos

Myson of Chenai (or Chen)

Chilon of Sparta

According to Platon's Protagoras (343a).

Bias of Priene lived about 590-530 BC and at

that time, he was a leading figure in Priene. He

enjoyed a high reputation and was very elo-

quent and persuasive.

As Thales of Miletus belonged to Bias of Priene

fixed canon of the Seven Sages of Greece.

One of his key phrases was "the best de-

mocracy is one in which all fear the law as a ty-

rant."

There are many legends about bias: for examp-

le he chased two fatted mules through the

camp of the Lydians, who besieged the city, so

they drew the conclusion that Priene had great

reserves of food. He also stacked piles of sand

that he covered with grain. The enemy scouts

assumed that these are enormous food supp-

lies.

A peace treaty with King Alyattes, who besie-

ged the city, was the result.

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THE ATHENA TEMPLE

One of the few buildings of antiquity from which the name of the

architect has been recorded: Pytheos (also Pythis) lived about

390 BC and was a Greek sculptor and architect. Among other

things, he built next to the temple of Athena also the Mausoleion

of Halikamass and influenced the entire Ionic temple architecture.

The model created by Pytheos considered especially the organi-

zation and the proportion of the structures was hence on used as

a blue print for future buildings.

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Priene can look back on a very exciting,

warlike and cunning history. It was also

part of the Ionian Cities and Towns. The

city-state covered an area of about 400

square kilometers, the actual urban area

accounted for about 37 hectares, of which

only 15 hectares were cultivated. The re-maining area offered in the case of sieges

surrounding population refuge.

A city wall with three gates protected the

city.

On the 300 m high hill behind the Athena

Temple there was the Acropolis.

As Priene was newly established in the 3rd

Century BC, despite the steep hillside they

realized a rectangular street pattern. This

form of urban development has been de-

scribed as hippodamian.

Priene is a good example of how a mid-

sized urban regular Polis looked. The city-

state had about 5,000 inhabitants, it was

never of particular political or historical im-

portance, but there is lots of evidence of

brisk trade operations.

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THE AGORA

The Agora of Priene was an open meeting area for all residents of

the city. Here, festivals and events were held; it was the social

center of the city.

In addition to the Agora was the Bouleuterion, which is similar toour present parliament. The Greek writer, historian and geogra-

pher Pausanias (about 115 to 180 AD.) Called the Agora of Pri-

ene "as a typical example of an ionic Agora". Built in the 3rd Cen-

tury BC. It was created in a horseshoe shape.

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CITY CENTRE

The Agora was the administrativeand social meeting point and thecentre of the the Polis.

Places like the Agora could befound in every hellenistic City.

East and west of the Agora was supported by

18 columns and in the south 30 columns were

the conclusion.

Around the Agora, there were administrative

buildings, the Bouleuterion - this was the meet-

ing place of the Bule, the Council of the City -

and next to the Prytaneion, (we would call today

a seat of government).

In Prytaneion the holy fire of Hestia, goddess of

the hearth, burned.

The central altar was 6.2 m long and 5.15 mhigh, and dedicated to the god Hermes. The

"small Agora" on the left side was the market-

place, as evidenced by excavations that

brought to light many objects, which can be

close to the products offered.

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THE THEATER

The Theater of Priene has excellent acoustics and because of the

capacity of 6,500 visitors, all inhabitants of Priene could go to

there at the same time.

The seats of the spectators were built directly into the hillside. Itformed three sections. As protection for the scorching summer

sun postholes in the stones are embedded.

In the middle of the fifth row was the "Royal Box", which, however,

was not part of the original construction.

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IONIC THEATER

The typical Ionic Theater was a

horseshoe-shaped open-air thea-ter, which mostly used the naturalenvironment e.g. a slope.The stage was formed initiallywith a wooden stage area,where the actors acted. Scenesand backdrops were located be-tween the columns of Prokerions.

A - Thymle (altar-shaped elevation on which the

choir leaders conducted)

B - Prohedrie (seats of dignitaries)

C - Diazomata (wide steps, the seats are di-

vided into ranks)

D - Klimakes (steps and stairs)

E - Paradoi (lateral Visitor Arrivals)

F - Analemmata (outside walls of the Tribune)

G - Kerkides (wedge-shaped box)

H - Scene (stage area)

I - Proskerion (front stage)

J - Pinakes (space within the pillars of

Proskerion)

K - Orchestra (circular of the stage, playing

area for Orchestra and Cast)

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Miletus (Turkish: Milet) suffered the same fate as many

other cities of the Aegean. Because of 4 ports Miletus,

once an economically important city, but because of

the ongoing siltation over the centuries by the river me-

anders (Turkish: Byk Menderes) Milet is far inland to-

day.

MILETUS

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Arriving at Miletus one is immediately struck by the huge plant

with the open theater. You can see how the theater served over

time as a fortress, which simply, like a penthouse was built on top

of the existing building.

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NEW YORK ANTIQUTITY

Creating modern cities, as for e-xample New York, has its roots inthe historical walls of Miletus

Also in geometry, one is constantlyreminded of Miletus.

Today we think about after recycling of building

materials, already thousands of years ago, this

was common.

But not only was recycling long before our era,

in the Aegean already common, especially in Mi-

letus impressive developments took place, they

are valid up to the present time, valid and in

use:

Hippodamus of Miletus lived in the 5th Century

BC and was the founder of "Hippodamian sys-

tem".

Isidore of Miletus was one of the co-architects

of the Hagia Sophia.

Thales of Millet, a merchant, who acquired

great knowledge in geometry. He was one of the

Seven Sages of Greece

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THE THEATER

Looking through the entrance arch of the theater of Miletus. In

the background, the reborn caravanserai, which invites you to

stop by today.

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The impressive theater of Miletus shows

which important value art (and communica-

tion) had in the ancient world.

Particularly noteworthy are the many well-

preserved reliefs.

The theater had a capacity of about 25,000visitors. The Roman Emperor Trajan built

the theater in the year 100.

The Byzantine added a special feature in

7th and 8 Century; they built a fort over the

theater.

From that time, the theater was used mostly

as a fortified shelter for the inhabitants of

Miletus.

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THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

The Book of Acts (# 20) tells us that theApostle Paul has held a farewell speech atMiletus.He attended Miletus on his last journey toJerusalem. The story goes on to say that hesent for the Ephesian elders about to an-nounce to them his martyrdom.


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THE INNER CITY

Because of the high water table and during heavy rains, the cen-

ter of the city of Miletus is unfortunately not passable.

But from the hill behind the theater, you can see the impressive

silhouette of the former economic hub.

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Although a large part of Miletus is in the

winter months under water, Miletus is defi-

nitely worth a visit.

The area around the city center is used

mostly for agriculture and there are also no

excavations.

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IONIAN LEAGUE

According to Herodotus, the Ionian Leaguewasfound in the 7thCentury BC, it includ-ed12 cities andislands:Phocaea

ClazomenaeErythrai

Teos

Lebedos

Colophon

Ephesus

Priene

Miletus

Myus

ChiosSamos

Allegedlythere wasalso a 13thCity, Meli-tain the covenant,butbecause of thearro-ganceof its citizens, Melita wasagainruled outandreplaced withSmyrna.


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FAUSTINA BATH

The Faustina baths are among the most important buildings of Mil-

let. The baths were of the Roman Empire through to the Byzantine

era in use.

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Th F ti Th l B th l t d i th


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The Faustian Thermal Bath located in the

center of the ancient city complex, be-

tween the stadium and the south market.

There were no hot springs, the bath had to

be heated by fire all year round.

The particular degree of preservation of the

buildings show impressively how people

eased up in the ancient world.

The high number of sculptures shows how

the public spaces were designed and em-

bellished.

As with many ancient excavations the origi-

nals usually are not to be seen, where they

actually were found. They are in many mu-seums around the world. Particularly many

found objects of Miletus found are in Berlin

now.

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ONE TIP

Right next to the cara-vanserai freshly squee-

zed pomegranate juiceis sold.

In Greek mythology,the pomegranate has been attributed to thegods of the underworld, Hades and Perse-phone. So do not drink too much, otherwi-se the gods might take revenge.


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The ancient sanctuary Didyma houses an important

oracle of Apollo. The Hellenistic Temple of Apollo in

size only surpassed in Greece by the temple of Hera in

the Heraion of Samos and the Temple of Artemis at

Ephesus. The Temple of Apollo is one of the best pre-

served of the ancient sanctuaries.

DIDYMA

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Overwhelmed by the huge proportions of the Apollo Temple, one

of the most important Hellenistic sanctuaries, one enters the exca-

vation site of Didyma.

Visitors are only aware of the true dimensions of the huge pillars,

when they stand in front of one of the monuments.

The cities of Didyma and Miletus were connected with the "Sa-

cred Way". This paved and with statues decorated procession

route was 16.2 km long. Unfortunately, today only a few remnants

of this magnificent street are visible.

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The Apollo temple of Didyma is built in the


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The Apollo temple of Didyma is built in the

Ionic style. The columns - there were 122

pieces - were both 19.7 m high and have a

diameter of 1.96 m.

Although 600 years was built on the tem-

ple, it was never finished.

On the walls there are still carved in marble

slips, suggesting that for a column 40,000

drachmas were paid wages, which is about

USD 200,000. At 122 columns you can

guess how important this building must

have been.

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... AND WHO WAS APOLLO?

Apollo was the son of Zeus and Leto. Hewas a twin brother of Artemis and is oneof the supreme gods of antiquity.

He was the main god of prophetic predic-tions, the arts, music and the patron saintof medicine.


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RELIEFS - MEDUSAS HEAD

Didyma was with Delphi, Dodona and Claros of the most impor-

tant Greek oracles.

Located at the end of over 12 km long Sacred Way, Didyma was

an extremely refined and elegant place, the center was the enor-

mous Temple of Apollo.

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The numerous reliefs and statues testify the


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y

importance of this holy place.

The sculptures were the completion of the

122 Ionic columns. Above the architrave an

elaborate frieze of foliage, figures of lions

and medusa heads was created.

Because the construction of the Hellenistic

homage plant began about 330 BC, it is of-

ten associated with the visit of Alexander

the Great at Miletus in 334 BC.

The Milesian builders and architects Daph-

nis of Miletus and Painios of Ephesus per-

formed the design of the temple.

The Temple was under construction until

200 AD, but it was never completed.

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THE ORACLE

Visitors enter the temple over 14 steps. The temple base, called

the Pronaos, impressed by 12 columns and ornate walls.

The Temple of Apollo was in his time a very sophisticated and ele-

gant place. The oracle had a very important role in the ancient

world and a lot of very important decisions based on the sayings

that came from the oracle priests.

The oracle could only be entered through two tunnel corridors.

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THE NAME DIDYMA

The origin of the name Didyma is

disputed; either it comes from theKara or the Greek (didymosmeans "twin", it could be meantApollo and Artemis).

On the back there are three doors. The door in

the middle is about 6.5 m wide and 14 m high.

Here was the oracle.

Only the chosen ones the, like the priests love

to call themselves, understood and interpreted

the encrypted sounds of the oracle.

The priests used to apply similar techniques as

in tricks of our times, in which magicians "are

guessing" information about visitors. Unlike to-

day, where this art is for enjoyment, at that time

especially before any important decisions the

oracle was asked, and therefore had an over-

whelming influence on the events of Asia Minor.

The exact sequence of oracle ceremonies has

unfortunately not been documented; the priests

created the verses of the oracles themselves.

The Oracle was still very popular in the 1st and

second Century.

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TODAYS DIDYMA

Over the ruins of antiquity are ruins of the now. Many residents

started to settle down right on the excavation site, these settle-

ments were dissolved now and again forfeited thus also slow.

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To reach Apollo's Temple you can either


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use a beautiful promenade, which is lined

with a several shops. Alternatively there is

street a few meters on the right, and walk

past the 'new' ruins.

Didyma is always worth a visit.

You simply have to take the time and espe-

cially around the temple go to e.g. see on

the back of the fallen columns and thus to

obtain an insight how these blocks were as-

sembled.

To search the area with open eyes is also

pays off, because you can see the fine de-

tail of the sculptures and marbles state-ments closely.

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The two rivers - the Large and Small Meander - Turkish

they are called the Menderes rivers, flow through west-

ern Turkey.

They stand responsible for many of the ancient ports

today are far inland and the islands come steadily

closer to the mainland.

MEANDER

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THE CURVES OF THE MEANDERS

Large meander (Byk Menderes) 550 km length

Small Meander (Kk Menderes) 200 km length


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The Great Meander rises in the mountains

of Phrygia and flows near the ancient city
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Miletus_Bay_silting_evolution_map-en.svghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Miletus_Bay_silting_evolution_map-en.svghttp://goo.gl/maps/slO5Ghttp://goo.gl/maps/slO5G


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of Phrygia and flows near the ancient city

of Miletus in the Aegean Sea.

The Little Meander flows parallel to the

lower reaches of the Great Meander, about

30 km north. The river rises about 2,000 m

east of the Boz Da and flows in the city ofEphesus in the Aegean Sea.

The two rivers provide the high percentage

of suspended solids that the mouths are in-

creasingly silted.

The winding course of the meander has be-

come proverbial, and rivers, which have a

similar course called "meandering".

The map shows how the sea has silted up

over the centuries more and once thriving

port cities are now found far inland.

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Here you will find a collection of photographs from the

region Priene, Miletus and Didyma.

More information about our cultural heritage in the Ae-

gean Sea you'll find on the Internet - or simply make

the tour of the impressions themselves and experience

on site.

PLANET AEGEAN

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PRIENE

The area in which Priene lies is very

hilly and the city-state was still

applied geometrically precise

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MILETUS

The environment of Miletus is used

for agriculture. In the wet season

and after heavy rain, the center of

Miletus is usually flooded.

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FINE STONES

In the courtyard of the temple of

Apollo, in the oracle, one can make

the conclusion of stones and bead-

ing a picture.

The high-quality work to show how

important the people in ancient

times this place was.

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Quite contrary to the arduous journeys of antiquity it is

now very comfortable and safe to travel on the very

good Turkish road-network, using modern buses.

When traveling to ancient sites, it is very useful if you

have an understanding and knowledgeable guide

(which talks a language you understand)

CONCLUSION

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PLANNING NEVER FAILS

Unlike pure bath vacations, is a journey into the Aegean Sea, with

the purpose to visit the ancient sites, something very special.

If you plan your journey ahead, you have more fun and will better

understand the places and just get a deeper insight into the his-

tory of the Aegean.

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COPYRIGHT


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2013 Copyright JR-Design & Rudolf J. Strutz

All material in this book may be not being repro-

duced without prior written permission from the

author

.

COPYRIGHT

46

RESOURCES

Ph h d R d lf S j d i
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Photographs and texts Rudolf Strutz - jr-design.netMiletus Bay Evolutions, Siliting Map Wikimedia CommonsMap of Asia Minor Wikimedia CommonsMaps and Satellite Images Google Maps & Google Earth

INTERNET LINKS

If you want to use the links in this book, your device must be connected to the Internet. The links are used primarily to that you do not have tosearch each location on the map, but just get a button there.

MORE BOOKS BY RUDOLF J. STRUTZ

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Priene - Miletus - Didyma