🏛️ Ephesus-Sardis
Two major Roman cities in western Anatolia, now archaeological sites
📌 Fast Facts
- Twin ancient cities located in present-day Türkiye, approximately 100 km apart
- Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Ephesus inscribed 1987, Sardis a component of Pergamon–Laodicea serial site
- Ephesus flourished as a major port and commercial centre from the 6th century BCE through the Byzantine period
- Sardis served as capital of the Kingdom of Lydia and later a significant Roman administrative hub
Ephesus and Sardis represent two of the most important urban centres of the ancient world, both strategically positioned in western Anatolia. Ephesus, near modern İzmir, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a principal city of the Roman province of Asia. Sardis, located inland to the east, served as capital of the wealthy Lydian kingdom before Roman conquest. Together they illustrate the continuity and evolution of urban civilization across multiple empires spanning over two ...