Myrina, an important ancient city located on the Aegean coast in the Aiolis region of Western Anatolia, stands out with its rich history and strategic position. It particularly flourished during the Hellenistic Period under the influence of the Kingdom of Pergamon, and in the Roman Period, it received the honorary title "Sebastopolis" with imperial support. The city developed economically thanks to its fertile agricultural lands and its function as a port city.

History

Myrina is known as one of the twelve cities belonging to the Aiolic League in the Aiolis (Aeolia) region of Western Anatolia. According to ancient sources, it is estimated to have been founded around the 11th century BCE during the Aiolic migrations. The city's early history was shaped by its subjugation, like other Greek cities in the region, first to the Lydian Kingdom and then to the Persian Empire in the 6th century BCE. Revitalized during the Hellenistic Period following Alexander the Great's campaigns in Asia, Myrina came under the control of various kingdoms amidst the struggles of the Diadochi, experiencing a significant period of prosperity particularly under the patronage of the Kingdom of Pergamon (Attalid Kingdom). With the last king of Pergamon, Attalus III, bequeathing his kingdom to Rome in 133 BCE, Myrina also became part of the Roman province of Asia. During the Roman Period, the city suffered destruction from various natural disasters, especially earthquakes, but was rebuilt with the support of Roman emperors. Following Emperor Tiberius, during the reign of Emperor Augustus, the city was granted the honorary name "Sebastopolis" (City of Augustus), symbolizing its strong ties with the empire and the support it received. In Late Antiquity, with the spread of Christianity, Myrina became an episcopal see, but it lost its importance during the Byzantine Period and was eventually abandoned.

Geographic Location

Myrina is strategically located on the Aegean coast within the borders of modern-day Aliağa district of İzmir province, in the Aiolis region of Western Anatolia. The city is notable for its proximity to the fertile lands of the Bakırçay (Kaikos) Plain, while also serving as an important port. It bordered other Aiolic cities such as Kyme to its north, Gryneion to its south, and Aigai in the interior. Its direct access to the Aegean Sea made it a favorable center for maritime trade, playing a key role in the distribution of agricultural products from the interior via sea. This geographic location provided Myrina with both agricultural wealth and a commercial advantage, significantly contributing to the city's development throughout antiquity.

Significance in Antiquity

As one of the important cities of the Aiolis region, Myrina held a certain significance in antiquity, both economically and politically. Thanks to its fertile agricultural lands, the production and trade of products such as olive oil, wine, and grain formed the basis of the city's economy. Its status as a port city made Myrina an important node in the Aegean Sea trade network, facilitating both the export of local products and the import of goods from abroad. Politically, its inclusion in the Aiolic League and its position under the influence of the powerful Kingdom of Pergamon during the Hellenistic Period strengthened the city's standing in regional politics. The title "Sebastopolis," received during the Roman Empire, clearly demonstrates the city's close relations with the empire and the support provided by Rome. This title enhanced the city's prestige and offered significant advantages during reconstruction processes. Culturally, the Hellenistic-era Myrina terracotta figurines indicate that the city also reached a certain level in artistic production, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities of its time.

Coinage

Myrina is an ancient mint represented in the NumisTR database by 79 coin varieties. The recorded coins were struck in silver and bronze. Authorities named on the coins include Antiochus Ii Theos. You can browse the city's coins in the Aeolis coins list.

Archaeological Remains

The current archaeological remains of Myrina offer clues about the city's long and eventful history. Traces of the city's acropolis, defensive walls, and settlement areas are gradually being brought to light through excavations. Particularly, the terracotta figurines unearthed during excavations in the Hellenistic-era necropolis have provided significant information about Myrina's artistic production and cultural life. These figurines, known as "Myrina terracottas," have earned a special place in art history and are displayed in various museums around the world today. It is also probable that traces of Roman-era structures, a theater, and an agora have been found in the city. However, due to modern settlement and agricultural activities in the region, a large part of the ancient city has not yet been fully explored or unearthed. Future detailed archaeological studies are expected to yield more information about the city's architectural structure and daily life.

Today

The remains of ancient Myrina are located today near the Nemrut Port, within the Aliağa district of İzmir province. It can be easily reached from İzmir via modern highways. However, since a large portion of the remains lies beneath modern settlement areas and agricultural lands, it does not offer a comprehensive archaeological site experience for visitors. While archaeological work in the region continues, the overall appearance of the city is not yet fully discernible.