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The Agora of Smyrna, alternatively known as the Agora of İzmir (Turkish: İzmir Agorası), is an ancient Roman agora located in Smyrna (present-day İzmir, Turkey). Originally built by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, the agora was ruined by an earthquake in 178 AD.[1] Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius ordered its reconstruction.[2] Excavations started in 1933.[1] In 2020, the Agora of Smyrna became a Tentative World Heritage Site as part of "The Historical Port City of Izmir."[3]

Buildings and structures of the agora

  1. Faustina Gate
  2. Ancient Street[4]
  3. North Stoa (Basilica)[5]
  4. West Stoa
  5. Graffiti
  6. Corinthian colonnade
  7. Ottoman-era Muslim graveyard[6]
  8. House of Sabbatai Zevi[7]

Recent Discoveries and Features

Recent excavations at the Agora of Smyrna have revealed several noteworthy features:

  • A functional 2,000-year-old water trench, highlighting the advanced engineering of the period.
  • Graffiti on the basilica wall, believed to be the world's first crossword.
  • Evidence suggesting coexistence among Muslims, Christians, and Jews, as indicated by candles featuring the Star of David.
  • Ongoing excavations are currently focused on Ottoman-era graveyards.

[Source: [Daily Sabah](https://www.dailysabah.com/history/2016/10/31/smyrna-agora-a-historical-and-architectural-treasure)]

References

External links

Media related to Agora of İzmir at Wikimedia Commons

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