Aizanoi Ancient City Aizanoi, an ancient settlement located in the western part of Anatolia, lies 48 kilometers southwest of Kütahya Province, within the district of Çavdarhisar. While limited information exists about the city prior to the Roman period, archaeological findings indicate continuous human habitation in the area since prehistoric times. Excavations near the Zeus Temple have revealed cultural layers that date back to the 3rd millennium BC. During the Hellenistic period, Aizanoi emerged as a politically important city amidst the struggle between Bithynia and Pergamon, with the city frequently shifting between the influence of both kingdoms. By 133 BC, Roman control was firmly established, and by the first century BC, Aizanoi had evolved into a major metropolis. However, it was in the early imperial period that the city experienced a surge in the construction of monumental public structures and advanced urban infrastructure. As a result, Aizanoi not only became one of the most significant cities in the Phrygia region during the Roman era but also played a key role in the commercial road network. The city's wealth flourished during this period, largely due to its production of cereals, wine, and sheep's wool. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, extensive construction efforts in Aizanoi led to the development of local stone workshops. As the city's religious and political influence grew, it forged strong connections with Roman communities. During the Byzantine period, Aizanoi served as the center of a bishopric, but its significance waned after the 7th century. The hill on which the Temple of Zeus is situated later became a key fortress for various Seljuk dynasties during medieval times, and the area eventually took on the name Çavdarhisar. The Temple of Zeus, perched on a hill, is one of the best-preserved temples still in existence. It was the city's primary sanctuary and contains numerous structures beneath it that are cleverly concealed to resemble vaults. The temple's architectural design is unique, with the spacing between the columns being twice the width of the walls of the inner rooms, resulting in a pseudodipteros plan with wider exterior columns. The circular structure known as the Macellum, dating back to the mid-second century, was likely used as a food market. It features inscriptions listing the prices of various goods sold in the Imperial markets, in accordance with an edict from Diocletian issued in 301 AD to curb inflation. The ruins of Aizanoi primarily date from the Roman Empire and include various sites, such as the Temple of Zeus, the Complex of Stadium-Theatre, the Macellum, Portico Street, Bridges and Dam with an odeon (a small theatre), and public baths. In 2012, the Aizanoi Ancient City was included in the UNESCO Tentative List. If you have any questions or need more information about Aizanoi Ancient City, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply send us a message via WhatsApp, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.