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🏛 Ancient City of Miletus – The Forgotten Jewel of Ionia
📍 Location: Aydın Province, Turkey (Near Didyma & Priene)
🏺 Known For: Impressive theatre, ancient harbors & grid-planned city
🗺️ Top Highlights of Miletus
1️⃣ The Grand Theatre of Miletus 🎭
Originally built in the 4th century BC during Hellenistic times, later expanded by the Romans.
Could seat up to 15,000 spectators—one of the largest in Anatolia.
A Byzantine-era fortress was later built on top of the theatre, offering panoramic views of the ruins.
2️⃣ The Bouleuterion – Ancient Parliament 🏛️
A meeting hall for the city’s council.
Held political discussions and decision-making in the democratic Ionian city.
Features rows of stone seats still visible today.
3️⃣ The Harbor & Lion Harbor Monuments ⚓
Miletus was once a major seaport of the Aegean.
Statues of lions guarded the harbor entrance, symbolizing strength.
Due to silt deposits from the Meander River, the ancient harbor is now far inland.
4️⃣ The Baths of Faustina 🛁
Built by Emperor Marcus Aurelius in honor of his wife, Faustina.
Roman-style public bath complex with hot & cold rooms.
Impressive marble flooring and decorative statues remain.
5️⃣ The Sacred Road to Didyma ⛪
A sacred processional road linked Miletus to the Temple of Apollo in Didyma.
Pilgrims walked this route to seek oracles and blessings.
Large stone-paved paths and remnants of columns still exist.
🚗 How to Visit Miletus?
🚗 By Car:
30 km from Didyma (~30-minute drive).
20 km from Priene (~20-minute drive).
80 km from Izmir (~1.5-hour drive).
🚍 By Public Transport:
Dolmus (minibus) available from Soke or Didim.
📌 Why Visit Miletus?
✅ Less Touristy – Unlike Ephesus, Miletus offers a peaceful and immersive experience.
✅ Amazing Greek & Roman Ruins – A theatre, a Byzantine castle, an agora, and a stadium all in one site.
✅ Scenic Landscape – The seasonal floods create stunning reflections of the ruins.
🔹 Pair your visit with:
Priene 🏛️ (another Greek Ionian city with an intact Athena Temple).
Didyma ⛪ (home to the magnificent Temple of Apollo).
Lake Bafa 🌊 (a picturesque natural lake nearby).