Archaeological Sites in Turkey

There are many archaeological sites in Turkey just waiting for history enthusiasts to explore. The following are just a few of many that will be of great interest to you when visiting the amazing country of Turkey.

• Antioch - located in southern Turkey. A seat of provincial Roman Government, Antioch was one of the largest cities in the ancient world. Beautiful mosaics were unearthed here in the 1930's.

• Aphrodisias - located about 140 miles from Izmir. Dedicated to Aphrodite the Goddess of Love, the ancient city of Aphrodisias has the best preserved stadium in Asia Minor.

• Catalhoyuk - located in southern Anatolia. Dating back to the 4th millennium BC, this is one of the most important Neolithic settlements in the world.

• Commagene, Mt Nemrut - located in southeast Turkey. The major trading routes between Syria, Mesopotamia and Rome all crossed in the Commagene Kingdom. The site is an amazing sight, especially at sunset.

• Ephesus - located in Izmir Province western Turkey where the Cayster River enters the Aegean Sea. Dating back to the 12th century BC, this is one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world and was home to the earliest Christian communities.

• Gordion - located close to Ankara. Gordios, King of ancient Phyria, is buried here. However the site is often mistakenly thought of as the burial tomb of King Midas.

• Hattusas, Bogazkoy - located 150 miles from Ankara and 62 miles from the Black Sea. This was the chief centre of the Hittite Empire. The very first Hittite inscriptions on 10,000 tablets were found here in the early 1900's.

• Hierapolis - located at Pamukkale. Ancient ruins, ancient baths and petrified waterfalls are the order of the day here.

• Pergamum - located 16 miles from the Aegean Sea on the north side of the River Caicus. The birthplace of the physician Galen, this acropolis was an administrative centre in Roman times and was famous for its library and open air amphitheatre.

• Priene - located in Kusadasi western Turkey. Famous for its Temple of Athena, Priene is an excellent example of Greek architecture dating back to the 7th century BC.

• Sardis - located about 60 miles east of Izmir. Originally the capital of Lydia in the 7th century BC, it was here that the first coins in history were invented. There is lots to see here including the Temple of Artemis, a necropolis and a palaestra.

• Troy - located in northwest Anatolia beside Mount Ida. Dating back to the 4th millennium BC Troy is one of the most famous cities in history. The city was first mentioned by Homer in the Iliad and Odyssey.

• Uluburun Shipwreck - located 6 miles from the coast near Kas. Discovered in the Mediterranean Sea in the 1980's, this shipwreck contained a vast collection of late bronze age items.

There are many archaeological places of interest dotted all over Turkey waiting to be explored on your direct holidays to this amazing country. Take advantage of the many travel deals that are always available to Turkey and discover a country steeped in history and culture, you won't be disappointed.

Article Source: EzineArticles