Overview:

Sardis, located in modern-day Manisa, Turkey, was once one of the major cities in the ancient world. Founded by settlers from Greece as early as the 7th century BC, the city rose to great heights as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. Over the centuries, it flourished both economically, through its location at the crossroads of trade routes, and culturally through its status as a religious center. Today, the ruins of this once great city are now preserved and open to visitors who wish to explore its storied history. The archaeological site, which covers an area of 3000 hectares, provides a glimpse into the city's past through an impressive array of ruins, including the remains of a Temple of Artemis, Greek baths, an agora, palaces, and a theater. Additionally, a number of shops, restaurants, and hotels are located nearby, allowing visitors to enjoy all that Sardis has to offer. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. Temple of Artemis: The famous Temple of Artemis is located in the area of Sardis, making it an important archaeological site in Turkey. The temple was built in the 6th century BC and dedicated to the goddess of the hunt, Artemis. The ruins of the temple were unearthed in 1958 and now offer a glimpse into the past. 2. Royal Road: The Royal Road was an important route in the Persian border of Sardis. This was the road that King Xerxes took when he invaded Greece in the 5th century BC. It was also the road the famous Marathon runner Pheidippides took when he ran from Athens to Sparta in 490 BC. The Royal Road is still viewable today. 3. Gymnasium: A gymnasium was unearthed during excavations in Sardis. This gymnasium includes a stadium and a running track. It is believed to have been built around 300 BC and was used by athletes and military personnel. 4. Temple of Cybele: The Temple of Cybele is one of the most impressive ruins in Sardis. The temple was built in the 3rd century BC as a shrine to the goddess of nature and fertility. It still stands today and is a great place to view the Roman architecture of the area. 5. Synagogue: Dating back to 300 BC, the ancient synagogue of Sardis is one of the oldest synagogues in the world. It was destroyed in a fire in 1790 and was then rebuilt by members of the Jewish community. The stunning building is still standing today and offers a unique insight into the Jewish history of the area. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

Sardis was an ancient city that dates back to the Bronze Age located in Manisa in modern day Turkey. The city is most famous for being the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia and its ruling dynasty, the Achaemenids. The city was a major center of the ancient world for trade, religion, culture and politics. It was also the birthplace of the famous Lydian King Croesus. The Persian Achaemenid Empire conquered Sardis in 546 BCE and incorporated it into their empire. The city prospered under Persian rule and was a major center of commerce. During this time, the city was adorned with grand monuments and buildings, many of which still stand today. In 334 BCE, Alexander the Great captured Sardis and incorporated it into his empire, which would later become the Hellenistic Kingdom of Pergamon. The city's golden age came under this rule, with its grand monuments and flourishing trade. In 133 BCE, the Roman general Sulla sacked the city. Afterward, the city's population began to decline and the city slowly lost its former glory. Nevertheless, it remained an important center of trade and religion. In the 7th century CE, the city was captured by the Islamic Umayyad Caliphate and transformed into a Muslim domain. It remained a part of the Ottoman Empire from the 14th century onward, and was eventually occupied by the Greeks during the Greco-Turkish War in the 1920s. Today, many of the ancient sites from Sardis' ancient past are well-preserved and can still be visited by tourists. The city serves as a reminder of its rich and diverse history, while the modern-day city of Manisa continues to thrive. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Sardis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 2. The city was known as "the wealthy" because of its incredible wealth and its impressive ability to produce fine fabrics and garments. 3. Its location has been of great strategic importance throughout history, as it is located at the crossroads of several key trade routes. 4. There have been significant archaeological finds at the site of Sardis, including the remains of a vast temple complex which is believed to have been dedicated to the god Cybele. 5. The city also has a rich and varied history, with several other civilizations occupying the city at various times throughout its history, including the Lydians, Persians, and Romans. 6. In the 6th century BC, Sardis was the capital of the Lydian Empire, one of the most powerful and wealthiest nations of the ancient world. 7. Sardis is home to the ruins of one of the seven churches of the Apocalypse mentioned in the bible; this is now a World Heritage Site. 8. Sardis is the only place outside of Italy to host the Panhellenic Games, which were held in the city every four years until the 4th century BC. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era