Tralles/Dia/Seleuceia ad Maeandrum/Kaisareia

Tralles was an important ancient city founded in Western Anatolia, specifically at the intersection of the Lydian and Carian regions, on a strategic hill overlooking the valley of the Maeander River. Thought to have been founded by Argives and local Trallians, the city came under the dominion of Hellenistic kingdoms and the Roman Empire after the Persian Empire, accumulating a rich history and cultural heritage. Known by various names throughout antiquity, Tralles was one of the region's leading centers, both economically and culturally.

History

The foundation of Tralles dates back to the 7th century BCE, and the city is believed to have been established by immigrants from Argolis along with local Trallians of Thracian origin. The city came under the control of the Lydian Kingdom in the 6th century BCE, then fell under the dominion of the Persian Empire with the collapse of Lydia in 546 BCE. Under Persian rule, it maintained its existence as an important center within the satrapy of Caria. Liberated from Persian rule during Alexander the Great's Anatolian campaign in 334 BCE, Tralles changed hands among various Hellenistic kingdoms during the Diadochi period following Alexander's death. It is particularly noted to have been called "Seleuceia ad Maeandrum" and possibly "Dia" during the Seleucid Empire. The city, which came under the control of the Kingdom of Pergamon in the late 3rd century BCE, was incorporated into the Roman Republic's Province of Asia when the Kingdom of Pergamon was bequeathed to Rome in 133 BCE. Tralles experienced a period of great prosperity during the Roman era, being rebuilt especially after a major earthquake during the reign of Emperor Augustus, and at this time also used the name "Kaisareia" in reference to the imperial cult. The city maintained its importance during the Byzantine period, serving as an episcopal see.

Geographic Location

Tralles was located in the interior of Western Anatolia, in the area of present-day Aydın city. The city was built on the slopes and summit of a strategic hill, overlooking the fertile Maeander River valley from the north. This location provided access to agricultural wealth and offered the city a significant economic advantage due to its position at the crossroads of important trade routes. Its proximity to important ancient cities such as Nysa to the east, Aphrodisias to the south, and Magnesia ad Maeandrum to the west made Tralles a crucial part of the region's cultural and economic network. The extensive arable lands, enriched by the alluvium carried by the Maeander River, allowed the city to play a key role in food production and trade. Furthermore, its elevated position provided a favorable structure for defense.

Significance in Antiquity

Tralles was an important center throughout antiquity, both economically, politically, and culturally. The agricultural products of the fertile Maeander valley, especially olives, figs, and grapes, formed the basis of the city's economy. Moreover, its location on trade routes extending from inner Anatolia to the Aegean coast made Tralles a center for commerce and distribution. Politically, it served as an important administrative center under the dominion of various empires and kingdoms. During the Roman period, it became one of the leading cities of the Province of Asia, and its urban fabric was enriched by large-scale construction activities during this time. Culturally, Tralles was known for the significant figures it produced in the fields of philosophy, rhetoric, and architecture, particularly during the Roman period. The fact that Anthemius, one of the architects of Hagia Sophia, was from Tralles is an indication of the city's architectural and engineering heritage. Religiously, in addition to cults dedicated to local deities such as Zeus Larasios, the cults of Artemis and the Imperial cult were also significant during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Coinage

Tralles was an important city in the ancient world with the authority to mint coins, and it actively exercised this right from the Hellenistic Period to the Roman Imperial Period. The city's earliest coinage began to appear in the late 3rd century BCE, during the transitional periods between the Seleucid Empire and the Kingdom of Pergamon. Particularly during the Roman Republican Period, it minted silver coins known as cistophoric tetradrachms as an important mint of the Province of Asia. These coins were widely used in regional trade and reflected Tralles' economic power. During the Roman Imperial Period, bronze coins were continuously minted from Augustus' reign until the mid-3rd century CE. The obverses of these coins typically featured portraits of the emperors and empresses of the time, while the reverses depicted local deities of the city (e.g., Zeus Larasios), goddesses (Artemis), river gods (Maeander), or scenes related to city legends. Furthermore, scenes related to the imperial cult and symbols emphasizing the city's autonomy were also among the coin types. Tralles' coinage sheds light on the city's rich religious and cultural life and provides valuable information about the economic conditions and political relations of the period.

Tralles is an ancient mint represented in the NumisTR database by 196 coin varieties. The recorded coins were struck in silver, bronze and gold. Authorities named on the coins include Antiochus Ii Theos, T. Ampius, Governor Of Asia, Seleucus Ii Callinicus and C. Fabius M.F., Governor Of Asia. You can browse the city's coins in the Lydia coins list.

Archaeological Remains

Today, the remains of the ancient city of Tralles are located in and around the Toptepe district of modern Aydın city. Although a large part of the city lies beneath modern development, some significant structures have survived to the present day. One of the most prominent remains of the city is the monumental three-arched structure known as "Üç Gözler" (Three Eyes), believed to date from the Byzantine period; this structure is thought to have been part of a gymnasium or bath complex. Additionally, remains of the city's theater, stadium, and agora are partially visible. Traces of the city walls on the slopes and fragments of aqueducts also reveal the city's extent and infrastructural development. Mosaics, sculptures, and other small finds unearthed through excavations are exhibited in the Aydın Archaeology Museum. Research conducted in the city's acropolis area has revealed architectural layers from different periods.

Today

The ancient city of Tralles is located in the center of Aydın province, Turkey. The modern city of Aydın is built upon ancient Tralles, which has resulted in a large portion of the ancient remains being covered by modern settlement. The city's remains known as "Üç Gözler" are easily visible in central Aydın, near the city park. Other remains are scattered in the Toptepe district of the city, amidst residential areas or in vacant lots. Visitors can explore the Aydın Archaeology Museum to examine artifacts unearthed from Tralles up close. Aydın is easily accessible by road from İzmir and is an important stop for both domestic and international tourists.