Miletus Historic Site of Turkey
Miletus Museum Turkey; Built as a seaport but today carried inland, Miletus is one of the largest and stately ancient cities.
The beauty of ancient sites could be a strange thing. Obviously, it helps when an enormous part of the development has survived nature’s forces and also the invasions of conquerors from time to time.
A well-kept building has an on the spot impact on where some pillars scattered around might raise a more significant effort of our imagination. But the scenery and your state of mind also are a playing factor; do not forget the weather.
In Turkey, for many of the year, the weather is a few things you won’t have to worry about. What may be a spoiler are the crowds at certain times of the year, especially if you choose to go to famous sites like Ephesus.
In that perspective, an area like Miletus (or Milete, or Miletos counting on the language) may be a charming alternative for those that like their travels seasoned with some history and culture, without having to handle herds of tourists trying to share ‘the experience.’
Of course, Miletus doesn’t have the ‘grandeur’ that Ephesus has, but it's lots that Ephesus has no longer… And trust us, Miletus is worth some time. This stretched-out site effortlessly combines a combination of well-kept ruins testifying to its glorious past with corners that leave more room for your imagination. Take a walk with us around a number of Miletus’ landmarks during this article.
History of Miletus
Before 500 BC, Miletus was the best Greek city in the east. It had been the natural outlet for products from the inside of Anatolia and had a substantial wool trade with Sybaris, in southern Italy.
Miletus was important within the founding of the Greek colony of Naukratis in Egypt and founded over 60 colonies on the shores of the Euxine Sea, including Abydos, Cyzicus, Sinope (now Sinop), Olbia, and Panticapaeum.
In addition to its commerce and colonization, the town was distinguished for its literary and scientific-philosophical figures, among them Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, and Hecataeus.
Together with the people of the opposite two Ionian cities of Caria, Myus, and Priene, the Milesians spoke a particular Ionian dialect. Little is understood about the Milesian government before 500 BC. In the 6th century BC, however, the town was led by the tyrants Thrasybulus and Histiaeus, accordingly.
The impressive Theatre in Miletus!
The first thing that strikes you after your arrival is the theatre. Built in the 4th century BC, absolutely was enlarged several times within the course of its existence until it had a 15,000 spectator capacity.
Walking around in is a step by step discovery of beauty and history. Especially the broad stairs that result in a next level or the arched ‘hallways’ behind the seats are well worth seeing. Make your way to the highest level and take the highest exit, only to get a picturesque landscape and a good view of Miletus at the rear and also the side of the arena.
Take in the image of various times and rulers with the remains of a Greek stoa (a long and covered hallway with pillars on one side and a wall on the other), the remains of the baths, also from the Greek period, and a pretty mosque from the Turkish rulers dead one picture.
Speaking of great views, imagine what it must have been like back within the days when this theatre was still in use. The grand structure faced the harbor, offering visitors not only the pleasure of watching an honest play or concert but also fabulous sea views from this waterside building.
Explore the famous Faustina Baths
The Faustina baths carry with them an infinite and well-preserved complex, situated right next to a Palaestra with a square dedicated to exercising. The cold bath, or Frigidarium, carries a pleasing surprise. It features two statues standing alongside it, one amongst a lion and one in every river god.
While these are copies, it certainly adds to the experience, and one can almost picture how people must be able to bathe during this spectacular environment. You’ll be happy to work out that the originals are on display at the Miletus Museum.
Ilyas Bey Mosque
The Ilyas Bey Mosque is a component of a bigger complex consisting of a Medrese (Koran School) and a Hamam, amongst others. The mosque has been expertly restored within the period 2007-2011 and is one of the most famous dome mosques of the Emirate period.
It stands out for its rich stone decor using colored stones and ceramic inlays. the main entrance, the prayer niche, and every window gable is decorated with plant and geometric ornaments.
Ionic Stoa
The Ionic Stoa at Miletus is maybe one of its most iconic images. Reckoning on which season you’re visiting you will find it partially submerged, adding a touch of romanticism to it all.
The Stoa lies on the eastern side of the Sacred Way, resulting in the sanctuary of Didyma. It measured roughly 100×14 m, featuring 35 columns.
Other places nearby
If your cultural interest hasn’t been satisfied just yet, then consider going a bit further afield to go to Euromos! You may find it along the road to Milas when driving from Miletus or Bafa.
The Temple that awaits you with the pine trees generously makes up for that. It makes a profound impression. Then again, that's most likely what a ‘Temple of Zeus’ is meant to try and do. After all, we don't seem to be talking about your next-door neighbor here.
Zeus was the king of the gods and therefore the god of the sky, lightning, thunder, law, order, and justice, or more simply put the god of almost everything.
Note: You may be interested in our Turkey Travel Guide that Talks about other Turkish highlights, places to stay, weather, and much more.
FAQs:
Q1. Where is Miletus located?
Miletus is located in western Turkey, in the Aydın province, near the modern town of Didim. It was an important ancient Greek city on the Aegean coast.
Q2. When was Miletus founded?
Miletus was founded in antiquity, with evidence of settlement dating back to the Neolithic period. It became a significant Greek city by the 2nd millennium BCE and flourished during the Archaic and Classical periods.
Q3. What to do in Miletus?
In Miletus, you can explore its rich ancient history by visiting the well-preserved Theater of Miletus, the Faustina Baths, and the Ilyas Bey Mosque. Walk along the Ionic Stoa and imagine its grandeur, then visit the Sacred Way, which once connected Miletus to the Temple of Apollo in Didyma. The Miletus Museum is also worth a stop to see artifacts from the region.
Q4. How far was Miletus from Ephesus?
Miletus was approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Ephesus. The journey between the two ancient cities takes about an hour by car today.