Priene ancient city

Priene Ancient City

Priene ancient city is located in Güllübahce village, subject to Söke country. Priene, which is a port city in the seaside in advance, is moved into current place because of filling the sea with soils, brought by Big Menderes. This city is establishes in B.C. 350 years. Firstly, city enters under Kingdom of Pergamon rule and then it is ruled by Roman Empire in B.C. 133.City starts to loss its importance by beginning from A.D. 3rd Century and becomes bishopric center in the Christianity period.

City is constructed by dividing avenues which pass each other vertically, into constituted squares according to plan of famous architect Hippodamus. City was surrounded with walls. City had the most beautiful architectural structures of Hellenistic Period. The first archeological excavations in Priene are started by Carl Humann in 1895 and continue until 1898. Temple of Athena is the most important architectural structure of the city and it is constructed between B.C. 350-325 years. It is the work of famous architect Pytheos.

Temple, constructed in Ion order, has 6 x 11 columns. Construction of temple is contributed by Alexander the Great. Some columns of the temple are erected. Agora, surrounded with stoas from three sides, is located in the city center and constructed in B.C. 3rd Centruy. Temple of Zeus, located in the the east of Agora, is a structure, built in Ion order in B.C. 3rd Century.

Priene
Priene ancient city

Bouleuterion, which is one of the best protected structures of Priene, has a capacity of 640 people and is constructed in B.C. 150. Structure of Prytaneion is located adjacent to this structure. Theatre building is one of the best protected structures and is constructed in the second half of B.C. 4th Century and undergoes repair in Roman Period. City has two great gymnasiums, of which one is in the north and the other is in the south. Temple in Sanctuary of Demeter in the north of city, is the oldest temple of Priene and it it presented to goddess Demeter and Kore. Temple of Kybele and House of Alexander are located in a place in the vicinity of Western Gate of City and a Byzantine basilica structure is located in the south of theatre.

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