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Modern Description: Founded by Aeolians (Magnesians) at the confluence of the rivers Lithaeus and Maeander. The temple of Artemis Leukophryene, the thermae on one side of the modern road, as well as part of the theatre are preserved. The Ionic pseudo-peripteral temple of Artemis (late 3rd-early 2nd century BC) is attributed to the architect Hermogenes. Architectural members from it are now in Berlin, while parts of its relief frieze are in Paris and Istanbul. The more or less contemporary altar, also designed by Hermogenes, is in the type of an altar-throne. The exterior of the peribolos walls was covered by a frieze (Berlin, Pergamonmuseum), while there were niches with statues in its interior.
The Ionic temple of Zeus Sosipolis, another creation of Hermogenes, stood in the city's rectangular agora (c. 200 BC). Its W front is now restored in the Pergamonmuseum, Berlin.
In Early Byzantine times Magnesia on Maeander was an episcopal see. Part of the defensive walls, dating mainly from this period, has survived. The temple of Zeus was repaired during Julian's reign (361-363). An Early Christian villa with mosaic floors (c. 500) and few ruins of contemporary houses. Early Christian reliefs are exhibited in the local archaeological museum.
Wikidata ID: Q462630
Trismegistos Geo: 7698

Info: Archaeological Atlas of the Aegean

(Archaeological Atlas of the Aegean, Ministry of the Aegean)

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