Turkey Aegean Coast - Priene, Miletus and Didyma

1
THE IDEA
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 cities?
On the following pages you will find moments and
impressions of this fantastic ancient area.

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 a
round trip to and not nearly have the time to work through hundreds
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.
2
IDEE UND FOTOS
RUDOLF J. STRUTZ

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 receive
information from Apple, when in the existing book changes occur.
Enjoy reading and exploring the spectacular region of the Turkish Aegean,
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 my
email address rsvienna@icloud.com. A few quick tips before you
plunge into the matter:
FOOTWEAR
Remember that the places described in this book are already several
thousand years old. The roads and sidewalks of yesteryear have become
rougher. As "standard visitor" you do not need hiking boots,
but your feet will be very grateful for your choice of a slightly more
stable shoe.
RAIN-COVER
If you visit the region in the winter, meaning the more rain intense
time, a rain protection - not necessarily an umbrella - will be of great
advantage. If you have a camera, you should also remember to protect
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 dogs
and 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 course
go up into the highest ranks. Caution
should be exercised, because the
stones could partly be slippery and the
spectator areas are relatively steep.
That the stairs have suffered a bit under
the test of time, you will also realize.
In no case, however, you should
climb on statues or houses that can easily
go into the eye.
RESTROOMS
In most archaeological sites, near the entrance there is either a public
restroom or a pub with a restroom. Don’t forget the small change!
In the ancient places themselves are no toilets, so please think about
it in any way.
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2
THE REGION
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 impressions.

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
Priene - Milet - Didyma
Entire Route
Asian Minor Map
5

PRIENE
Our journey begins in the ancient city of Priene, which lies in the
mountainous environment of Mycale Mountains.
INTERNET LINKS
Izmir - Priene
Priene
6

MILET
Along a mountain ridge, on which there is a national park, it goes beyond
the meandering alluvial land to Miletus.
GOOGLE MAPS - INTERNET LINKS
Priene - Milet
Milet
7

DIDYMA
A few kilometers away in Didyma, lies the very impressive Temple of
Apollo, which is under the management of Miletus.
GOOGLE MAPS - INTERNET LINKS
Milet - Didyma
Didyma
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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3
PRIENE
Priene is located in the north of Miletus on the mountainous
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.

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 sea
level 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 eloquent
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 democracy
is one in which all fear the law as a tyrant."
There are many legends about bias: for example
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 supplies.
A peace treaty with King Alyattes, who besieged
the city, was the result.
12

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 organization
and the proportion of the structures was hence on used as
a blue print for future buildings.
13

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 remaining
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 described
as hippodamian.
Priene is a good example of how a midsized
urban regular Polis looked. The citystate
had about 5,000 inhabitants, it was
never of particular political or historical importance,
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 to
our present parliament. The Greek writer, historian and geographer
Pausanias (about 115 to 180 AD.) Called the Agora of Priene
"as a typical example of an ionic Agora". Built in the 3rd Century
BC. It was created in a horseshoe shape.
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CITY CENTRE
The Agora was the administrative
and social meeting point and the
centre of the the Polis.
Places like the Agora could be
found 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 meeting
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 m
high, and dedicated to the god Hermes. The
"small Agora" on the left side was the marketplace,
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. It
formed 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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F
H
C
G
E
I
J
D
A
K
B
IONIC THEATER
The typical Ionic Theater was a
horseshoe-shaped open-air theater,
which mostly used the natural
environment e.g. a slope.
The stage was formed initially
with a wooden stage area,
where the actors acted. Scenes
and backdrops were located between
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 divided
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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4
MILETUS
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 meanders
(Turkish: Büyük Menderes) Milet is far inland today.

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.
20

NEW YORK ANTIQUTITY
Creating modern cities, as for e-
xample New York, has its roots in
the historical walls of Miletus
Also in geometry, one is constantly
reminded 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 Miletus
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 system".
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
21

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.
22

The impressive theater of Miletus shows
which important value art (and communication)
had in the ancient world.
Particularly noteworthy are the many wellpreserved
reliefs.
The theater had a capacity of about 25,000
visitors. 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.
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
The Book of Acts (# 20) tells us that the
Apostle Paul has held a farewell speech at
Miletus.
He attended Miletus on his last journey to
Jerusalem. The story goes on to say that he
sent for the Ephesian elders about to announce
to them his martyrdom.
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THE INNER CITY
Because of the high water table and during heavy rains, the center
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 definitely
worth a visit.
The area around the city center is used
mostly for agriculture and there are also no
excavations.
IONIAN LEAGUE
According to Herodotus, the Ionian League
was found in the 7th Century BC, it included
12 cities and islands:
•Phocaea
•Clazomenae
•Erythrai
•Teos
•Lebedos
•Colophon
•Ephesus
•Priene
•Miletus
•Myus
•Chios
•Samos
Allegedly there was also a 13th City, Melita
in the covenant, but because of the arrogance
of its citizens, Melita was
again ruled out and replaced with Smyrna.
25

FAUSTINA BATH
The Faustina baths are among the most important buildings of Millet.
The baths were of the Roman Empire through to the Byzantine
era in use.
26

The Faustian Thermal Bath located in the
center of the ancient city complex, between
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 embellished.
As with many ancient excavations the originals
usually are not to be seen, where they
actually were found. They are in many museums
around the world. Particularly many
found objects of Miletus found are in Berlin
now.
ONE TIP
Right next to the caravanserai
freshly squeezed
pomegranate juice
is sold.
In Greek mythology,
the pomegranate has been attributed to the
gods of the underworld, Hades and Persephone.
So do not drink too much, otherwise
the gods might take revenge.
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5
DIDYMA
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 preserved
of the ancient sanctuaries.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Overwhelmed by the huge proportions of the Apollo Temple, one
of the most important Hellenistic sanctuaries, one enters the excavation
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 "Sacred
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
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 temple,
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.
... AND WHO WAS APOLLO?
Apollo was the son of Zeus and Leto. He
was a twin brother of Artemis and is one
of the supreme gods of antiquity.
He was the main god of prophetic predictions,
the arts, music and the patron saint
of medicine.
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RELIEFS - MEDUSA’S HEAD
Didyma was with Delphi, Dodona and Claros of the most important
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 enormous
Temple of Apollo.
31

The numerous reliefs and statues testify the
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 often
associated with the visit of Alexander
the Great at Miletus in 334 BC.
The Milesian builders and architects Daphnis
of Miletus and Painios of Ephesus performed
the design of the temple.
The Temple was under construction until
200 AD, but it was never completed.
32

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 elegant
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.
33

THE NAME DIDYMA
The origin of the name Didyma is
disputed; either it comes from the
Kara or the Greek (didymos
means "twin", it could be meant
Apollo 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 today,
where this art is for enjoyment, at that time
especially before any important decisions the
oracle was asked, and therefore had an overwhelming
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 settlements
were dissolved now and again forfeited thus also slow.
35

To reach Apollo's Temple you can either
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 especially
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 assembled.
To search the area with open eyes is also
pays off, because you can see the fine detail
of the sculptures and marbles statements
closely.
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6
MEANDER
The two rivers - the Large and Small Meander - Turkish
they are called the Menderes rivers, flow through western
Turkey.
They stand responsible for many of the ancient ports
today are far inland and the islands come steadily
closer to the mainland.

THE CURVES OF THE MEANDERS
Large meander (Büyük Menderes) 550 km length
Small Meander (Küçük Menderes) 200 km length
GOOGLE MAPS - INTERNET LINKS
The Rivers
Wikimedia Map
38

The Great Meander rises in the mountains
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 Dağı and flows in the city of
Ephesus in the Aegean Sea.
The two rivers provide the high percentage
of suspended solids that the mouths are increasingly
silted.
The winding course of the meander has become
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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7
PLANET AEGEAN
Here you will find a collection of photographs from the
region Priene, Miletus and Didyma.
More information about our cultural heritage in the Aegean
Sea you'll find on the Internet - or simply make
the tour of the impressions themselves and experience
on site.

PRIENE
The area in which Priene lies is very
hilly and the city-state was still
applied geometrically precise
41

MILETUS
The environment of Miletus is used
for agriculture. In the wet season
and after heavy rain, the center of
Miletus is usually flooded.
42

FINE STONES
In the courtyard of the temple of
Apollo, in the oracle, one can make
the conclusion of stones and beading
a picture.
The high-quality work to show how
important the people in ancient
times this place was.
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8
CONCLUSION
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)

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 history
of the Aegean.
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COPYRIGHT
© 2013 Copyright JR-Design & Rudolf J. Strutz
All material in this book may be not being reproduced
without prior written permission from the
author
.
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RESOURCES
Photographs and texts
Rudolf Strutz - jr-design.net
Miletus Bay Evolutions, Siliting Map
Wikimedia Commons
Map of Asia Minor
Wikimedia Commons
Maps 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 to
search each location on the map, but just get a button there.
MORE BOOKS BY RUDOLF J. STRUTZ
Streetlife Vienna #1
Reflections
All books free of Charge on the iBookstore, btw.
there is also a german version of this book available
in the iBookstore.
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