Erythrai: Ruins of the Ancient City

Erythrai is located 27 km from Cesme center, in a beautiful bay full of small islands. The ancient settlement of Erythrai is located in the Ildırı village of Cesme, on the Izmir Karaburun peninsula, about 60 km from Izmir. Archaeological remains show that it was founded by colonists under Erythoros in 3000 BC. It is known that the city was ruled by the kingdom for a while after it was founded. Research and archaeological excavations of Erythrai on behalf of Ankara University were first conducted by Prof. Ekrem Akurgal between 1964-1982. Excavations at Nesil Ankara University have been carried out since 2007 with the approval of the Council of Ministers.


Erythrai was a member of the Ionian Federation. From the 4th to the 6th century BC, the city was under Persian and Athenian control alternately. "Panionion", which is the religious and political union between Ionian cities, BC. It entered in the 7th century and became one of the twelve Ionian colonies in history. It is known that from time to time, Greek and Anatolian cities made attempts to get rid of his rule. In fact, Erythrai participated in the Arc Sea War (494 BC), which led the Greek Navy and failed, and later became a member of the Attic-Delon Marine Corps. Erythrai's political orientation changed several times during the Hellenistic period. Pergamon Empire BC. Since its end in 133, it belonged to the Roman Empire's province of Asiade as a free city. It is known that he had friendly relations with the Persian satrap Mausolosin Caria in the 4th century BC. So much so that Erythrai wrote the bronze, golden-haired Agora statue as an expression of his gratitude to Mausolus. This rapprochement with the Persians due to Mausolus was interrupted by King Hermias of Atameus, who had great relations with Erythrai in 345 BC. Against the Persians. Erythrai lost its autonomy, but gained independence when Alexander conquered the city in 334 BC.

The most visible ruins in Ildırı are the city walls. In addition, the Acropolis, the theater in the north and the mansion buildings from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the Athena Temple from the Archaic period, the church built in the Byzantine period, the Roman villa and mosaics in the place called Cennet Tepe As you can see, the bath structure was built in the Late Roman-Byzantine period. Visiting hours of the ancient city are between 08:00 - 19:00 in summer and 08:30-18:30 in winter. There is no entrance fee to the ancient city. You can visit the ancient city free of charge and watch both Cesme beaches and historical sights free of charge. To reach the ancient city, turn to Barbaros Street in İzmir's Cesme district and reach Barbaros Village. You can reach the ruins of the ancient city after 12 km from Barbaros village towards Gerence.