The initial mainland settlement of Klazomenai was located southwest of modern Urla İskelesi (Urla Pier). This city, a significant member of the Ionian League, played an active role in the commercial and cultural life of the region before relocating to a nearby island due to defensive needs towards the end of the 6th century BCE. This early settlement represents a turning point in the city's history, also recorded by the ancient geographer Pausanias.

History

Klazomenai is an ancient settlement believed to have been founded in the 10th century BCE by Ionian migrants from Greece, and it was one of the twelve important cities of Ionia. According to legend, it was founded by Androklos from Attica. The city's initial settlement developed on the mainland, at a strategic point close to rich agricultural lands and natural harbors. In the 7th and 6th centuries BCE, it prospered economically, particularly through olive oil production and trade. With the rise of the Lydian Kingdom and subsequently the Persian Empire, political balances in the region shifted, beginning to threaten the city. The Persian threat, in particular, rendered the mainland settlement vulnerable towards the end of the 6th century BCE. As recounted by the ancient author Pausanias, due to these threats, the Klazomenians decided to relocate to a nearby island that was easier to defend. This relocation marked a significant turning point in the city's history and led to the abandonment of the mainland settlement, known as "Klazomenai (earlier)".

Geographic Location

The initial settlement of Klazomenai was located on the mainland, approximately southwest of Urla İskelesi (Urla Pier), in the Urla district of İzmir province, modern-day Turkey. Geographically, it was situated on the coast of the Aegean Sea, in a fertile plain overlooking the Gulf of Smyrna. This strategic location allowed the city to benefit from both maritime trade and establish land connections with inland regions. The fertile lands surrounding it, particularly ideal for olive groves, greatly contributed to the city's economy. It maintained close relations with neighboring Ionian cities Erythrai, Teos, and Smyrna, and was located in the heart of Ionia. While this mainland location increased the city's agricultural production capacity, it also rendered it more vulnerable to external attacks; this was a significant factor in the decision to relocate to the island.

Significance in Antiquity

As one of the twelve important cities of Ionia, Klazomenai held a significant place in the ancient world, both economically and culturally. The city was particularly known for its olive oil production and extensive trade network across the Mediterranean basin. Amphorae originating from Klazomenai have been found in a wide geographical area, from the Aegean to the Black Sea. It also left a significant mark in the history of philosophy; the famous pre-Socratic philosopher Anaxagoras (500-428 BCE) was a native of Klazomenai. Anaxagoras's introduction of the concept of "Nous" (mind/intellect) as the primary substance of the universe had profound effects on ancient thought. Politically, as an active member of the Ionian League, it held influence in the regional balance of power. Its relations with the Lydian and Persian Empires and the threats it faced constituted turning points in the city's history. The abandonment of the mainland settlement and relocation to the island is an indicator of the city's struggle for survival and its ability to adapt to changing geopolitical conditions.

Coinage

Klazomenai is an ancient mint represented in the NumisTR database by 78 coin varieties. The recorded coins were struck in bronze, silver, electrum and gold. You can browse the city's coins in the Ionia coins list.

Archaeological Remains

Archaeological remains of Klazomenai's initial mainland settlement are limited today, largely due to its abandonment after the decision to relocate to the island and its subsequent covering by natural factors over time. However, surface surveys and limited excavations have provided traces of the early Ionian settlement. These remains typically consist of ceramic fragments, foundation remnants, and finds indicating necropolis areas dating to the 7th and 6th centuries BCE. Detailed information regarding the exact location and extent of the mainland settlement is less comprehensive compared to the "Klazomenai (later)" settlement on the island. Nevertheless, finds illustrating the city's early relationship with agriculture and trade highlight the significance of this initial settlement.

Today

Klazomenai's initial mainland settlement is situated within archaeological sites near modern Urla İskelesi (Urla Pier) today. This area, marked by coordinates (38.361458, 26.770568), is largely intertwined with agricultural lands and residential areas. There is no specially arranged archaeological park or museum for visitors, but the region can generally be visited along with other ancient settlements in and around Urla for those wishing to trace ancient remains. Transportation from İzmir city center to Urla is available by public transport or private vehicles.