Ancient City of Erythrae (Ildırı, Izmir)
The ancient city of Erythrae (Greek: Ἐρυθραί, “the Red City”) lies near the modern village of Ildırı, on the northeastern coast of the Çeşme Peninsula, İzmir Province. It was one of the twelve Ionian cities, situated opposite the island of Chios (Sakız Adası), and served as an important port and trading centre throughout the Archaic and Classical periods.
(Source: Izmir Directorate of Culture and Tourism – “Erythrai (Ildırı)”;
Turkish Museums – “Erythrai Archaeological Site”;
Wikipedia – “Erythrae”)
Erythrae was founded around the 8th century BC and became famous for its wine, figs, and prophecy cults. Ancient writers such as Strabo and Pausanias mention the presence of a Sibyl (prophetess) at Erythrae, whose oracles were known across the ancient Mediterranean. Alongside Delphi and Didyma, the sanctuary of Erythrae was one of the three most respected centres of prophecy in the Greek world.
(Source: Wikipedia – “Erythrae”;
Oxford Classical Dictionary – “Erythrae” entry)
The city prospered as a member of the Ionian League, controlling fertile lands and an excellent natural harbour. Like many Ionian cities, it was destroyed during the Persian conquest (mid-6th century BC) but regained autonomy under Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. In the Hellenistic period, Erythrae was rebuilt with a grid plan, monumental agora, theatre, temples, and city walls. It continued to thrive under the Romans, maintaining its status as a regional port until the 3rd century AD.
(Source: Turkish Museums – “Erythrai Archaeological Site”;
Ancient Cities of Turkey – “Erythrai”;
Wikipedia – “Erythrae”)
The main monuments visible today include the theatre, cut into the hillside with views of the Aegean; the temple terrace with remains of shrines to Athena Polias, Apollo, and Heracles; the agora, necropolis, and stretches of fortification walls built in polygonal masonry. Excavations by the University of Ankara since the 1960s have uncovered numerous terracotta figurines, coins, inscriptions, and architectural fragments that reveal the city’s artistic and religious life.
(Source: Ankara University – “Erythrai Excavations”;
Turkish Museums – “Erythrai Archaeological Site”;
Wikipedia – “Erythrae”)
Today, the ruins of Erythrae are scattered across the modern village of Ildırı, blending harmoniously with olive groves and stone houses overlooking the sea. Visitors can walk among the remains of the theatre, agora, and acropolis, and enjoy panoramic views of Chios Island across the water. The site retains a tranquil atmosphere that echoes its ancient reputation as both a port of prosperity and a sanctuary of prophecy.
(Source: Visit İzmir – “Erythrai Ancient City”;
Turkish Museums – “Erythrai Archaeological Site”)