Layers dating back to the 3rd millennium BC reached in ancient city of Smyrna

Excavation work carried out in the ancient city of Smyrna in İzmir has reached strata dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. Important findings shedding light on the settlement's past and defense wall phases were brought to light.

Traces of a Regular City Plan

The presence of a developed city plan starting from the 7th century BC draws attention at Smyrna Mound. Streets intersecting each other perpendicularly and public buildings indicate an orderly settlement.

While it was determined that Athena Street was used in the same alignment for centuries, water channels inside the houses were also identified.

Historical Defense Walls

During the excavations, three different defense wall phases dating to the 9th, 8th, and 7th centuries BC were identified. These walls made of stone blocks without mortar reflect the period.

A silver jewelry treasure found in past years also increases the archaeological importance of the settlement. Smyrna is shown among the cities where Homer lived.

Early Bronze Age Phases

Head of Excavations Prof. Dr. Aylin Ümit Erdem stated that they reached strata extending to the 3rd millennium BC. Six different architectural phases were identified in the Early Bronze Age settlement.

While the past of the settlement is documented using the radiocarbon dating method, efforts are underway to shed light on the city's boundaries with new studies.