Miletus

Located on the southern edge of the Meander River flood plain, 22 km south of Priene, and being the central one of the three ancient sites of Priene, Miletus and Didyma, Miletus was an important Ionian city for nearly 14 centuries (700 BC to 700 AD). Its large harbor was a major commerce center of the Greek Empire and later of the Romans as well. Made prosperous by maritime commerce and its colonies, Miletus flourished through Byzantine and Seljuk times but gradually its importance declined since its harbor was continuously being filled with alluvium from the Meander River. Today Miletus is nearly eight kilometers away from the sea, which means that the filling process has progressed at the rate of six meters a year.

Now Miletus' most notable characteristic is its Graeco-Roman theatre, originally built by the Greeks and offering 5,300 seats. Later, the Romans restructured the theatre and its capacity nearly tripled. Constructed during the Hellenistic period, Miletus’ theater is perhaps the most impressive theater structure in Anatolia, with a front façade wall 140 m long and 30 m high. If you climb up the hillside above the theatre, a spectacular view of the fertile plain once covered by the sea will reveal to you. Also, you’ll be able to see the other remains of ancient Miletus including the Northern and Southern Agoras, traces of the city walls, the Baths of Faustina, the stadium and other structures. Famous people of Miletus include the Greek philosophers Thales, Anaximenes, and Anaximander.