Sardis Ancient City Sardis was an ancient city nestled in the heart of the Hermus Valley, at the foot of Mount Tmolus. It once served as the capital of the Lydian Kingdom, ruled by the famously wealthy King Croesus from 560–546 BC. The ruins of Sardis are located near the present-day village of Sart in the Salihli district of Manisa, Turkey, approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) south of the Hermus River. Today, visitors can see the remnants of ancient structures such as the bath-gymnasium complex, a historic synagogue, and several Byzantine-era shops. During the 7th and 6th centuries BC, Sardis was part of a powerful empire that dominated much of western Anatolia. In 547 BC, the city was overtaken by the Persian Empire. Later, in 330 BC, Alexander the Great seized Sardis and began its transformation into a Hellenistic city, blending Greek traditions with its earlier heritage. Sardis became especially known for its grand temples, including the massive Temple of Artemis, regarded as one of the largest examples of Ionic architecture ever constructed. During the period of Roman rule, Sardis continued to thrive and maintained its grandeur. The city featured majestic boulevards, expansive public bathhouses, and was a center for the imperial cult. It also housed the largest synagogue known from antiquity. Today, travelers can explore the ruins and immerse themselves in the city’s remarkable legacy. By the fourth century, Sardis had emerged as a significant hub for Christianity, recognized as one of the locations of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Originally established as a Lydian settlement in the mid-to-late sixth century BC, Sardis developed into a city with deep historical roots. It was notably influential in the origin of coin minting and served as home to a diverse population that included both Christians and Jews. Beyond the city’s walls, a Lydian industrial zone preserves the earliest known evidence of techniques for separating gold and silver from electrum. The city's formidable Lydian fortifications—measuring 20 meters wide at the base and still standing up to 10 meters tall—surpass any other known defensive structures in Anatolia. Remnants include well-preserved residential buildings from both the Lydian and late Roman eras, man-made terraces carved into the natural landscape, and an acropolis featuring architectural remains from both Lydian and Byzantine periods. Among the prominent highlights of Sardis are the impressive Temple of Artemis, the grand Roman bath-gymnasium complex featuring a majestic marble courtyard lined with columns, and a sanctuary devoted to the Roman Imperial cult. Nearby, visitors can also explore the remains of a theater and stadium. The site also includes ruins of what was once the largest synagogue of the ancient world, followed by Byzantine-era shops and several burial tombs. Thanks to its extraordinary historical value and well-preserved archaeological features, Sardis Ancient City was officially included on the UNESCO Tentative List in 2013. If you have any questions or need more information about Sardis Ancient City, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply contact us via WhatsApp. We’ll be happy to assist you as soon as possible.