Ancient Metropolis findings made public

Lots of monumental structures and artifacts have been unearthed during works carried out by Dokuz Eylül University (DEU) in the ancient city of Metropolis, located in the Torbalı district of İzmir.

The head of the excavations, Professor Serdar Aybek of DEU Faculty of Letters Department of Archaeology, said, "We always find surprises in Metropolis. Since it is a city built on a slope, the ruins are generally unearthed under deep alluvial fills. Preserved columns and standing brick shops were found in their original place."

A press conference was held on Dec. 20 to introduce the artifacts unearthed in the ancient city of Metropolis, which was called the "mother goddess city" in antiquity, to the public.

"There is a long-time archaeological work going on in Metropolis since 1989. With the transfer of research activities in Metropolis to DEU, Metropolis returned to 2003, when the research was initiated. We will continue to work with the same enthusiasm and excitement in the future," Aybek said.

Stating that Metropolis was a very important city of Ionia, Aybek said: "It was a city that had very fertile lands around its border. Agriculture especially stands out there. Thanks to the abundance of the Maeander [Menderes River], which flows right in front of it, it sent these agricultural products to different places in the ancient world and got rich.

"When we visit the ruins of the Metropolis today, we can see this richness, the beautiful marble structures and understand the magnificence of the past. We always find surprises in Metropolis. Since it is a city built on a hillside, the ruins are usually unearthed under deep alluvial deposits. Although there is not much to see on the ground in the new area where we are working, very important...