Milet Ancient City

Miletus is an ancient city located in the Didim district of modern-day Turkey. Today the site consists of the ruins of the ancient Greek city which was originally located near the mouth of the Maeander River in ancient Ionia. The ruins are situated near the modern village of Balat about 2 hours north of Bodrum and about 2 hours south of Izmir. Before the Persian rule that began in the 6th century BCE, Miletus was considered one of the greatest and wealthiest cities of ancient Greece.

This region has been welcoming international tourists for decades and it has become one of the most popular destinations in the country for its beautiful beaches and ancient ruins. The city of Miletus is no exception, with its rich history, culture, and mythology, this ancient city has a unique charm that still attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The Three Myths of Miletus

According to a legend, Miletus was founded by Miletos. There are three different versions of his origins and adventures. According to Ovid, he was the son of Apollo and Deione and was later exiled from Crete by King Minos. He then founded the city of Miletus in Asia Minor. He married the daughter of the river god Meander who was called Kyana.

A second version of the story says that Miletos was actually the grandson of Minos and also the son of Apollo. This legend states that his mother abandoned him at birth in the forest, and he was nursed by a wolf and later adopted by shepherds. Many years later, he came to be an object of desire to Minos who had no idea of his origins. He fled to Caria and married Idotea, the daughter of King Eurydos.

The final version of the tale states that Miletos was actually the son of Aria, who abandoned him. He was then adopted by his grandfather, Kleos. He grew up to be a handsome young man and attracted the desire of Minos. Miletos fled from Mnos in this story as well. He first went to the island of Samos and founded the first city called Miletus, and then he went to Caria, where he founded another town of the same name.

 At the very least, these legends reveal the close ties between the historical city of Miletus and the real-life Minoan civilization of Crete.

The Mythology and History of Miletus

Miletus was one of the most important Greek cities in Anatolia. It was founded on the southern coast of the Latmian Peninsula, at the mouth of the Meander River, in the 10th century BCE on the site of a much older settlement which dated back to the Neolithic Period. Its strategic location made it an important port city, and it quickly developed into a major center for trade and commerce, receiving goods from both east and west. However, it should be noted that this natural harbor was eventually silted in, and the ruins are now located inland.

The historical records of the city date back to the 7th century BCE, when it became an important center of the Ionian League, a confederation of 12 cities including Ephesus, Priene, and Samos. The city was a center of culture, philosophy, and science, and it was home to philosophers like Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes, who were part of the so-called Milesian School of philosophy.

During the 6th century BCE, Miletus became a dominant force in the region, with a powerful navy, a prosperous economy, and a high level of cultural development. However, the city's golden age was short-lived, and in 494 BC, it was destroyed by the Persians. In the early Byzantine Period, the city regained a bit of its former prosperity and  even became a seat of the archbishops. However, after centuries of Arab raids and the gradually closing off of the harbor, the city was eventually abandoned and the area became home to rural farmland.

What Remains at Miletus Today

Despite its decline, many ancient buildings and structures can still be seen in Miletus today, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich history. Here are just some of the most notable sites to explore:

The Theater

The theater of Miletus is one of the largest and most impressive ancient theaters in Anatolia and perhaps even the world. It was built during the Hellenistic period and could seat around 15,000 spectators. The theater was a center for cultural events in the city, with plays, concerts, and other performances taking place here regularly. Visitors can still see the seating areas, the stage, and the orchestra pit, as well as the magnificent façade that features reliefs of Dionysus and the Muses.

At present, the structure is 140 meters wide and 30 meters high. The upper gallery has been lost to time, but in the past, it extended the theater to the height of 40 meters. While exploring the area, visitors should keep in mind that in its heyday the theater was situated on the seafront and overlooked a beautiful seascape. Spectators could see the Theatre Harbour in front of them, and the West Agora across the water. Now that the area has been completely landlocked, current visitors can only imagine what must have been a breathtaking view.

The Faustina Baths

The Faustina Baths were one of the largest and most luxurious public baths in the ancient world. They were built during the 1st century CE, during the reign of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. The baths could accommodate up to 1,600 people and featured a variety of rooms, including a frigidarium, a tepidarium, and a caldarium. Visitors can still see the ruins of the various rooms, as well as the impressive vaulted ceilings.

The Bouleuterion

The Bouleuterion was the city's council hall and was used for meetings of the city council and other official gatherings. It was built during the 4th century BCE and could accommodate around 900 people. Visitors can still see some of the original seats and the podium where the speakers would stand.

Byzantine Fortress

The Byzantine Fortress is one of the most famous landmarks in Miletus. It was built in the 7th century CE to protect the city from invaders. The fortress was built on a hill by the ancient theater and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Visitors can take a stroll around the fortress and take in the stunning views of the city below.

Church of St. Michael and the Bishop’s Palace

The Church of St. Michael and the Bishop’s Palace are two of the must-visit places in Miletus. Both structures were built in the 6th century and are a perfect example of Byzantine architecture. Today, three aisles of the basilica are still visible, as well as the bases of many columns. The Bishop's Palace stands to the north of the church and has several remaining sections of wall.

Lion Harbor Area

The Lion Harbor Area is another must-visit spot in Miletus. The area was once a thriving port that long ago became silted in. Visitors today can take a stroll along the harbor and learn about the city’s maritime history. The highlight of the harbor area is the Large Harbor Monument which is believed to have been built in the 1st century AD. It depicted a monumental tripod situated atop lions and decorated with reliefs of tritons, dolphins, and ship prows. Today, it is possible to see the base of the structure and the reliefs of some of the imagery.

Capito Baths

The Capito Baths are one of the most well-preserved structures in Miletus, providing a glimpse into life in ancient Rome. The baths were built in the 2nd century AD and consist of a series of rooms, including a cold pool, warm pool, and a hot pool. Visitors can explore the baths and learn about the ancient Roman bath culture.

North Agora and Ionic Stoa

The North Agora and Ionic Stoa is another must-visit landmark in Miletus. The agora was the center of civic life in ancient cities and was a gathering place for political discussions, trade, and socializing. The Ionic Stoa is an impressive structure that was once a colonnade with an array of shops on either side. Visitors can explore the agora and the stoa while learning about the city’s ancient history.

Nymphaeum

The Nymphaeum was a monument in Miletus that was dedicated to the nymphs, who were the minor goddesses of nature in ancient Greek religion. The monument was built in the 2nd century AD and features a stunning array of carvings and columns. Visitors can marvel at the intricate designs and learn about the importance of the nymphs in ancient Greek culture.

South Agora

The South Agora was once the bustling center of Miletus, serving as the political, commercial, and social hub of the city. The agora was a massive open-air marketplace with rows of shops and spaces for public gathering. Visitors can explore the agora and imagine the hustle and bustle of the ancient city while taking in the remnants of stone streets and columns.

Visiting the Ancient City in the Present

The ancient city of Miletus offers tourists a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of this important city. Visitors can explore the many ancient buildings and structures that still stand today, including the impressive theater, the beautiful fortress, and the luxurious Faustina Baths. Additionally, just 5 minutes down the road is the Miletus Museum which holds an impressive array of artifacts from the site. Whether an enthusiast of history and archeology or just looking for an interesting and unique travel destination, Miletus has something to offer everyone.