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[[file:Lydia_circa_50_AD_-_English_legend.jpg|thumb|Lydia circa 50 AD - English legend]] [[file:Agora_of_Smyrna,_built_during_the_Hellenistic_era_at_the_base_of_Pagos_Hill_and_totally_rebuilt_under_Marcus_Aurelius_after_the_destructive_178_AD_earthquake,_Izmir,_Turkey_(18699693425).jpg|thumb|Agora of Smyrna, built during the Hellenistic era at the base of Pagos Hill and totally rebuilt under Marcus Aurelius after the destructive 178 AD earthquake, Izmir, Turkey (18699693425)|left]] [[file:Agora_of_Smyrna,_built_during_the_Hellenistic_era_at_the_base_of_Pagos_Hill_and_totally_rebuilt_under_Marcus_Aurelius_after_the_destructive_178_AD_earthquake,_Izmir,_Turkey_(18699947915).jpg|thumb|Agora of Smyrna, built during the Hellenistic era at the base of Pagos Hill and totally rebuilt under Marcus Aurelius after the destructive 178 AD earthquake, Izmir, Turkey (18699947915)]] [[file:Istanbul_-_Museo_archeol._-_Saffo_-_Copia_romana_da_orig_ellenist._-_da_Smirne_-_Foto_G._Dall'Orto_28-5-2006_02.jpg|thumb|Istanbul - Museo archeol. - Saffo - Copia romana da orig ellenist. - da Smirne - Foto G. Dall'Orto 28-5-2006 02|left]] [[file:Agora3.jpg|thumb|Agora3]] [[file:Colossal_reclining_statue_of_the_river_god_Kaystros_with_a_cornucopia,_from_the_frigidarium_of_the_Vedius_Gymnasium_at_Ephesus,_2nd_century_AD,_Izmir_Museum_of_History_and_Art,_Turkey_(45112787215).jpg|thumb|Colossal reclining statue of the river god Kaystros with a cornucopia, from the frigidarium of the Vedius Gymnasium at Ephesus, 2nd century AD, Izmir Museum of History and Art, Turkey (45112787215)]] '''Smyrna''' is an ancient city located in [[Asia Minor]], which is modern-day [[Turkey]]. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history that dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE. Smyrna has been known by various names throughout history, including the Greek name Σμύρνη (Smyrnē) and the Turkish name İzmir.
[[File:Lydia circa 50 AD - English legend.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Agora of Smyrna, built during the Hellenistic era at the base of Pagos Hill and totally rebuilt under Marcus Aurelius after the destructive 178 AD earthquake, Izmir, Turkey (18699693425).jpg|thumb]] [[File:Agora of Smyrna, built during the Hellenistic era at the base of Pagos Hill and totally rebuilt under Marcus Aurelius after the destructive 178 AD earthquake, Izmir, Turkey (18699947915).jpg|thumb]] [[File:Istanbul - Museo archeol. - Saffo - Copia romana da orig ellenist. - da Smirne - Foto G. Dall'Orto 28-5-2006 02.jpg|thumb]] {{Infobox settlement
| name = Smyrna
| native_name = Σμύρνη
| settlement_type = Ancient city
| coordinates = {{coord|38|25|N|27|08|E|type:city}}
| established_title = Established
| established_date = 3rd millennium BC
| population_total = 200,000 (est. during Roman period)
| website =
}}
 
'''Smyrna''' ({{lang-el|Σμύρνη}}) was an ancient city located at a central and strategic point on the Aegean coast of Anatolia. Due to its advantageous position, it became one of the principal cities of [[Ionia]] and later a significant urban center in the Roman Empire.


==History==
==History==
===Ancient Period===
Smyrna was originally established by the [[Aeolians]] and later taken over by the [[Ionians]]. The city became a significant center of trade and culture in the ancient world. It was strategically located on the Aegean coast, which facilitated its development as a major port city.


===Hellenistic and Roman Periods===
===Early History===
During the [[Hellenistic period]], Smyrna was rebuilt by [[Alexander the Great]]'s general, [[Lysimachus]], around 290 BCE. The city flourished under Roman rule and became one of the principal cities of [[Asia (Roman province)|Asia Province]]. It was known for its impressive architecture, including the [[Agora of Smyrna]], and its vibrant cultural life.
Smyrna's origins date back to the 3rd millennium BC, with evidence of settlement during the [[Bronze Age]]. The city was initially established by the [[Leleges]] and later inhabited by the [[Aeolians]].
 
===Classical Period===
In the 7th century BC, Smyrna was taken over by the [[Ionians]], who transformed it into a thriving city-state. It became a member of the [[Ionian League]], a confederation of twelve cities in [[Asia Minor]].
 
===Hellenistic Period===
After the conquest by [[Alexander the Great]], Smyrna was rebuilt and expanded. The new city was designed with a grid plan, which was a hallmark of Hellenistic urban planning.
 
===Roman Period===
Under Roman rule, Smyrna flourished as a major commercial and cultural center. It was known for its beautiful architecture, including the famous [[Agora of Smyrna]], and was one of the cities that claimed to be the birthplace of the poet [[Homer]].


===Byzantine and Ottoman Periods===
===Byzantine and Ottoman Periods===
Smyrna continued to be an important city during the [[Byzantine Empire]]. It was a significant center of early Christianity and is mentioned in the [[Book of Revelation]] as one of the [[Seven churches of Asia]]. The city was later conquered by the [[Seljuk Turks]] in the 11th century and eventually became part of the [[Ottoman Empire]] in the 15th century.
Smyrna continued to be an important city during the Byzantine era. It was later incorporated into the [[Ottoman Empire]] in the 15th century, where it remained a key port city.


==Modern Era==
==Economy==
In the early 20th century, Smyrna was a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population, including Greeks, Armenians, Jews, and Turks. The city was significantly affected by the events of the [[Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922)]], culminating in the [[Great Fire of Smyrna]] in 1922, which led to widespread destruction and loss of life. Following these events, the city was renamed İzmir and became part of the modern Republic of Turkey.
Smyrna's economy was historically based on trade, facilitated by its excellent harbor. It was a hub for the exchange of goods between the East and the West, dealing in products such as olive oil, wine, and textiles.


==Cultural Significance==
==Culture==
Smyrna has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous archaeological sites and historical landmarks. The city's ancient ruins, such as the [[Agora of Smyrna]] and the [[Temple of Athena (Smyrna)]], attract scholars and tourists alike. Smyrna is also known for its contributions to early Christian history and its mention in the [[New Testament]].
Smyrna was a center of culture and learning. It hosted numerous festivals and was home to several schools of philosophy and rhetoric. The city was also known for its temples and theaters, which were integral to its cultural life.


==Notable Figures==
==Religion==
Several notable historical figures are associated with Smyrna, including:
Smyrna was one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the [[Book of Revelation]]. It had a significant Christian community and was an early center of Christianity.
* [[Homer]], the legendary ancient Greek poet, who is traditionally said to have been born in Smyrna.
* [[Polycarp]], an early Christian bishop and martyr, who served as the Bishop of Smyrna.


==Related Pages==
==Archaeological Significance==
* [[Izmir]]
The archaeological remains of Smyrna provide valuable insights into ancient urban life. Excavations have uncovered parts of the ancient agora, city walls, and residential areas.
* [[Seven churches of Asia]]
 
==Also see==
* [[Ionia]]
* [[Agora of Smyrna]]
* [[Agora of Smyrna]]
* [[Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922)]]
* [[Seven Churches of Asia]]
* [[Great Fire of Smyrna]]
* [[Homer]]
* [[Homer]]
* [[Polycarp]]
* [[Ionian League]]
 
{{Ancient cities of Asia Minor}}
{{Ionian League}}


==Categories==
[[Category:Ancient Greek cities]]
[[Category:Ancient Greek cities]]
[[Category:Roman sites in Turkey]]
[[Category:Roman Empire cities]]
[[Category:Byzantine sites in Turkey]]
[[Category:Ottoman Empire]]
[[Category:History of Turkey]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Turkey]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Turkey]]
{{AncientGreece-stub}}

Latest revision as of 15:30, 9 December 2024

Smyrna
General Information
Name Smyrna
Native Name
Σμύρνη
Other Names
Settlement Type Ancient city
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates
   
       38°25 
       N°27
   
Map
Population
Total 200,000 (est. during Roman period)
Density per km²
Area
Total km²
Land km²
Water km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard UTC
DST UTC


Smyrna (Greek: Σμύρνη ) was an ancient city located at a central and strategic point on the Aegean coast of Anatolia. Due to its advantageous position, it became one of the principal cities of Ionia and later a significant urban center in the Roman Empire.

History[edit]

Early History[edit]

Smyrna's origins date back to the 3rd millennium BC, with evidence of settlement during the Bronze Age. The city was initially established by the Leleges and later inhabited by the Aeolians.

Classical Period[edit]

In the 7th century BC, Smyrna was taken over by the Ionians, who transformed it into a thriving city-state. It became a member of the Ionian League, a confederation of twelve cities in Asia Minor.

Hellenistic Period[edit]

After the conquest by Alexander the Great, Smyrna was rebuilt and expanded. The new city was designed with a grid plan, which was a hallmark of Hellenistic urban planning.

Roman Period[edit]

Under Roman rule, Smyrna flourished as a major commercial and cultural center. It was known for its beautiful architecture, including the famous Agora of Smyrna, and was one of the cities that claimed to be the birthplace of the poet Homer.

Byzantine and Ottoman Periods[edit]

Smyrna continued to be an important city during the Byzantine era. It was later incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, where it remained a key port city.

Economy[edit]

Smyrna's economy was historically based on trade, facilitated by its excellent harbor. It was a hub for the exchange of goods between the East and the West, dealing in products such as olive oil, wine, and textiles.

Culture[edit]

Smyrna was a center of culture and learning. It hosted numerous festivals and was home to several schools of philosophy and rhetoric. The city was also known for its temples and theaters, which were integral to its cultural life.

Religion[edit]

Smyrna was one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation. It had a significant Christian community and was an early center of Christianity.

Archaeological Significance[edit]

The archaeological remains of Smyrna provide valuable insights into ancient urban life. Excavations have uncovered parts of the ancient agora, city walls, and residential areas.

Also see[edit]

Template:Ancient cities of Asia Minor