🏛️ Sardis-Thyateira
Overlapping Hellenistic and Roman cities in western Anatolia
📌 Fast Facts
- Located near modern Sart in Manisa Province, western Türkiye
- Sardis was capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia; later a major Roman city
- Thyateira developed as a Hellenistic settlement, eventually merged with Sardis administratively
- Both sites contain substantial remains including temples, theater, and Byzantine structures
Sardis and Thyateira represent two overlapping urban centers in the Hermus River valley of ancient Lydia, now western Anatolia. Sardis served as the royal capital under Croesus (ruled circa 560–546 BCE) and retained major significance under Greek and Roman rule. Thyateira emerged as a Hellenistic garrison town to the north and was recognized as one of the Seven Churches of Asia in early Christian sources. Both sites preserve substantial archaeological layers spanning the Hellenistic, Roman ...