Located on the western coast of ancient Anatolia, north of the modern Gulf of Izmir, Naulochon/Palaia Smyrna boasts a deep-rooted history extending back to the 3rd millennium BCE. Initially an Aeolian settlement, the city later adopted an Ionian identity, becoming an important port and trade center. After its destruction by Lydian King Alyattes in the 6th century BCE, it was revitalized through the legacy of Alexander the Great and refounded as Smyrna, one of the region's most brilliant metropolises during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

History

The history of Naulochon/Palaia Smyrna can be traced back to the 3rd millennium BCE through archaeological excavations conducted at modern-day Bayraklı Höyük. The city's earliest known name, Naulochon, likely means "place where ships anchor," suggesting that the initial settlement had characteristics of a port. Colonized by Aeolian migrants around 1000 BCE, this region gradually came under the influence of Ionian settlers and transformed into an Ionian city-state. Palaia Smyrna, believed to have joined the Ionian League in the 7th century BCE, possessed a well-planned urban structure surrounded by strong walls during this period. However, it was besieged and destroyed by Lydian King Alyattes around 600 BCE and continued its existence as a small village settlement for approximately 300 years.

In the late 4th century BCE, the city was refounded as "New Smyrna" a few kilometers south of Palaia Smyrna, at the foot of Mount Pagos (Kadifekale), either through the vision of Alexander the Great or the efforts of his successors Antigonos Monophthalmos and Lysimachus. This refoundation paved the way for the city to become one of the most important metropolises of the Aegean during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. During the Roman Empire, the city earned the titles "Pearl of Asia" and "Metropolis," becoming one of the centers of the imperial cult. It also became an important center in early Christianity, being mentioned as one of the Seven Churches.

Geographic Location

Naulochon/Palaia Smyrna was founded on a small peninsula on the western coast of Anatolia, at the intersection of the fertile delta of the Hermos (Gediz) River and the Gulf of Izmir. This location provided the city with both a strategic advantage in maritime trade and facilitated its connection with inland regions. Access to Inner Anatolia via the Hermos Valley ensured the city's position at the crossroads of trade routes. Among the city's neighbors were important ancient centers such as Phokaia (Foça) to the north, Ephesos (Efes) to the south, and Sardis (Sardes) to the east.

The refounded "New Smyrna," on the other hand, was located south of Palaia Smyrna, spreading over a more sheltered and expansive area at the foot of Mount Pagos and within the inner part of the gulf. This new location offered a larger port capacity and room for expansion, allowing the city to transform into a colossal metropolis during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The natural structure of the gulf protected ships from storms and made the city one of the key points of Eastern Mediterranean trade.

Significance in Antiquity

Naulochon/Palaia Smyrna held great significance in antiquity due to both its strategic geographic location and its cultural richness. As one of the important members of the Ionian League, it played an active role in Eastern Mediterranean trade, particularly in the 7th and 6th centuries BCE. The city's port served as a gateway for agricultural products, craft goods, and other commercial items to reach the world from inland Anatolia by sea.

Smyrna, after its refoundation, reached its true splendor during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Its designation during the Roman Empire with titles such as "Pearl of Asia" (Ornamentum Asiae) and "First Metropolis of Asia" clearly demonstrates the city's political and economic power. Due to its loyalty to Rome, Smyrna became one of the centers of the imperial cult, hosting multiple imperial temples. It also stood out as a center of culture and art, possessing a significant intellectual heritage with claims of being the birthplace of Homer. Commercially, it functioned as one of the main arteries between the Mediterranean and Anatolia, becoming a center of wealth and prosperity. In early Christianity, it also remained an important center, hosting significant figures like Saint Polycarp and retaining its religious importance as one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Bible.

Coinage

Naulochon/Palaia Smyrna was an active mint, especially during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The earliest coins attributed to the city are associated with Lydian-type electrum coinage, dated to the late 6th or early 5th century BCE, but these early issues are quite rare and their definitive attribution is debated. The city's coinage gained significant momentum after its refoundation during the Hellenistic Period.

During this period, Smyrna minted silver (tetradrachms, drachms) and bronze coins. The obverses of the coins typically featured the head of Tyche (Goddess of Fortune), the city's patron goddess, or a depiction of the Amazon Smyrna. Amazon Smyrna was considered the city's legendary founder. The reverses usually featured motifs such as a lion, a palm tree, or a bust of Homer. The depiction of Homer emphasized the city's claim to be Homer's birthplace. The coins bore the ethnic "ΣΜΥΡΝΑΙΩΝ" (of the Smyrnaians) and sometimes the names of the magistrates overseeing the minting.

During the Roman Imperial period, Smyrna's coinage became even more diverse and prolific. During this period, portraits of emperors and empresses became common on the obverses, while the reverses depicted important city structures (temples, theater, harbor), mythological scenes, or symbols related to the imperial cult. Bronze coins were widely used in daily commerce and reflected the city's wealth and prosperity. Coinage served as an important indicator of the city's economic independence and political status.

Archaeological Remains

Today, the most prominent archaeological remains of Naulochon/Palaia Smyrna can be seen at Bayraklı Höyük, located in the Bayraklı district of Izmir. Excavations conducted here have revealed traces of continuous settlement from the 3rd millennium BCE onwards. Remains of city walls, house foundations, sacred areas, and an Athena Temple from the Aeolian and Ionian periods provide important information about Palaia Smyrna's urban planning and architectural development. Particularly noteworthy are the foundations of the Athena Temple, dated to the 7th century BCE, and the city's geometric plan.

The remains of "New Smyrna," on the other hand, are scattered throughout the modern city center of Izmir. The Roman Agora, the remains of the theater and stadium at Kadifekale, aqueducts, and traces of various public buildings reflect the glorious past of this great metropolis. However, due to modern urbanization, a comprehensive urban fabric like that of Palaia Smyrna cannot be observed.

Today

The ancient settlement of Naulochon/Smyrna/Palaia Smyrna is known today as Bayraklı Höyük, located within the borders of the Bayraklı district of Izmir province, Turkey. The höyük is situated quite close to Izmir city center and can be easily reached by public transport or private vehicles. Visitors can walk through the höyük to see the remains of the ancient city and excavation areas. The center of "New Smyrna," on the other hand, is located in the heart of modern Izmir, particularly around the Agora and Kadifekale. The Izmir Archaeology Museum houses many artifacts unearthed from the region, presenting the city's rich history to visitors.