To reveal the evolution of the settlements units in the Aegean region into poleis is a highly problematic endeavor. Nearly all of the settlements in the both sides of the Aegean do not host the layers when the first poleis flourished (9th / 8th centuries BC) but the settlement layers (Hellenistic and Roman Periods) when the poleis were loosing their importance and faded away. For instance, in Priene and Pergamon, the remains belong to a period of five centuries later whereas the remains in the cities such as Ephesos, Hierapolis and Aphrodisias date to a thousand years later period. The former group illustrates the glorious era of the kingdoms and the continuous need for protection whereas the latter group demonstrates the prosperous welfare, security and development of the imperial age. Thus, both of the groups cannot provide any information on the first step of the genesis of the "polis". What is most fascinating at Smyrna is the possibility to follow archaeological evidence proving every step of a feudal community’s development into urbanization. The city did not go through Hellenistic and Roman construction and improvement activities allowing the polis to remain in its ancient form for centuries. The landscape thus represents the characteristics of period when the “polis” first appeared and flourished. Smyrna’s idiosyncrasy bears both the characteristics of uniqueness and misfortune. Most of the ancient cities on the Aegean coast represent the traces of the latest phases of civilization. The remains and the finds provide us a sufficient number of written documents and architectural materials to discuss the cultural interactions, the socio-economic structures and social stratification in these centers. However, the situation is completely different at Smyrna, firstly there is no other city having the same characteristics and secondly there was not a written culture in the Aegean when Smyrna (the polis) was born. Thus, it becomes nearly impossible to study the genesis of "polis". 
The Athena StreetThe Athena Street is the main street which was used from the golden period of the city until the city was moved to Kadifekale. 
The Houses of SmyrnaThe Oinochoe Megaron is the first building of a complex consisting of seven parts. It is a more developed version of earlier multi-roomed buildings at Smyrna... 
The Temple of AthenaThe oldest Athena Temple in Anatolia was built in Smyrna. All the architectural elements and the monumental human and lion statues of the Athena Temple... 
WallsSmyrna was protected by a thick and strong mud brick wall in the middle of the 9th century BC. This wall was constructed between 875-825 BC most probably around 850 BC. 
FountainThe fountain was first found in 1948-1951 excavation campaign and it was completely unearthed during 1995 excavations. 
AgoraAlthough the agora of the city has not been unearthed yet, its probable location has been partly determined. 
NekropolisThe area located between two fortification walls on the eastern and southern slopes of the mound was used as necropolis in the first half of the 6th century. 
The Mausoleum of TantalosThe big necropolis which was used between 6th and 7th centuries BC was located in the north and northeast of the Bayraklı Höyük, on the slopes of the Yamanlar Mountain. |
