Neandria (Neandreia) Ancient City – Ezine, Çanakkale
Neandria (Neandreia) was an ancient Greek polis in the south-western Troad, located on Çığrı Dağ (Mount Çığrı), about 9 km east of Alexandria Troas in the modern district of Ezine, Çanakkale. The city occupied the summit and upper slopes of a granite hill with steep sides and wide views over the western Troad and the middle Skamander valley, making it an ideal defensive stronghold and lookout point.
(Source: Neandreia – Wikipedia)
The site’s origins lie in the Archaic period. Although we do not know the exact circumstances of its foundation, archaeological remains on Çığrı Dağ date back to the 6th century BC, including a temple (probably of Apollo), an agora, a stoa, and early fortifications. In the Periplus of Pseudo-Scylax, Neandria is described as an Aeolian city, a fact supported by inscriptions in the Aeolic dialect from the 6th century BC.
(Source: Neandreia – Wikipedia)
In the 5th century BC, Neandria belonged to the Delian League and appears in the Athenian tribute lists as part of the Hellespontine district, paying a tribute of 2,000 drachmas. Later, during the late 5th and early 4th centuries BC, the city came under the control of Zenis and Mania of Dardanus, acting on behalf of the Persian satrap Pharnabazos, and was then freed by the Spartan commander Dercylidas.
(Source: Neandreia – Wikipedia)
Archaeological surveys show that in this period a new circuit of fortification walls was built from granite ashlar blocks, about 3.2 km long, nearly 3 m thick and enclosing an area of roughly 40 hectares. Within this walled space, houses were laid out on a rectangular grid, with an internal drainage system and possibly a small theatre or stepped structure; the total population at that time is estimated at around 2,500 inhabitants.
(Source: Neandreia – Wikipedia
Neandria – Culture Inventory (EN))
Around 310 BC, Antigonus I Monophthalmus founded Antigonia Troas, later renamed Alexandria Troas, by synoecizing several surrounding communities, including Neandria. The inhabitants of Neandria were relocated to this new coastal city, and from then on Neandria ceased to exist as an independent polis. The earliest coins of Alexandria Troas adopted Neandria’s grazing horse type, preserving the older city’s emblem in the coinage of its successor.
(Source: Neandreia – Wikipedia
Neandria – Ancient Cities of Turkey)
Today the ruins of Neandria are scattered over the summit plateau and slopes of Çığrı Dağ. Visitors can trace stretches of the massive city walls, towers, the presumed temple terrace and house terraces cut into the rock. Although the remains are not monumental compared to other Troad cities, the combination of wild landscape, long hike and spectacular views makes Neandria a memorable destination for travellers interested in less-visited archaeological sites.
(Source: Neandria – Turkish Archaeological News
Neandria – Culture Inventory (EN))