The Agora of Smyrna, alternatively known as the Agora of İzmir (Turkish: İzmir Agorası), is an ancient Roman agora located in Smyrna (present-day İzmir, Turkey). Originally built by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, the agora was ruined by an earthquake in 178 AD. Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius ordered its reconstruction. Excavations started in 1933. In 2020, the Agora of Smyrna became a Tentative World Heritage Site as part of "The Historical Port City of Izmir."

Buildings and structures of the agora

  1. Faustina Gate
  2. Ancient Street
  3. North Stoa (Basilica)
  4. West Stoa
  5. Graffiti
  6. Corinthian colonnade
  7. Ottoman-era Muslim graveyard
  8. House of Sabbatai Zevi

Recent Discoveries and Features

Recent excavations at the Agora of Smyrna have revealed several noteworthy features:

  • A functional 2,000-year-old water trench, highlighting the advanced engineering of the period.
  • Graffiti on the basilica wall, believed to be the world's first crossword.
  • Evidence suggesting coexistence among Muslims, Christians, and Jews, as indicated by candles featuring the Star of David.
  • Ongoing excavations are currently focused on Ottoman-era graveyards.

[Source: [Daily Sabah](https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2016/10/31/smyrna-agora-a-historical-and-architectural-treasure)]

References

External links

Media related to Agora of Smyrna at Wikimedia Commons


At the center of the ancient city of Smyrna Agora, the grid in this

Ancient City of Smyrna Agora the City Where Alexander the Great Dreamed

Agora of Smyrna, built during the Hellenistic era at the b… Flickr

Agora of Smyrna stock photo. Image of fashioned, europe 47922172

Ruins and historical place in agora of Smyrna ancient city in Izmir