🏛️ Ephesus-Sardis
Two major cities of Roman Asia Minor connected by ancient trade routes
📌 Fast Facts
- Located in western Türkiye (ancient Ionia and Lydia regions)
- Ephesus: UNESCO World Heritage Site; one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (Temple of Artemis)
- Sardis: Former capital of Lydia; seat of a Roman proconsul during the Imperial period
- Both sites span Hellenistic, Persian, and Roman occupation phases
Ephesus and Sardis represent two of the most significant urban centers of Roman Asia Minor, located approximately 100 kilometers apart in what is now western Türkiye. Ephesus served as the capital of the Roman province of Asia and was among the largest cities in the empire. Sardis, the former Lydian capital, retained considerable importance under Roman rule as a major trading hub and administrative center. Together, they illustrate the prosperity and cultural sophistication of Asia Minor during ...