History Of Priene

It is believed that the name of Priene is not Greek but is related to pre-Greek names of Cretan origin. In recent years, the theory gains weight that Priene was one of the cities of the Kingdom of Ahhiyava, which is believed to have been founded in the Miletus region, and that its name also derives from that origin. Therefore, our knowledge of the initial foundation of the city, whose existence goes back to the 2nd millennium BC, rests on hypotheses. The fact that the location of the pre-4th century BC Priene has not yet been able to be determined up to the present day. According to the information from ancient sources, Pausanias has written that Priene was founded by Aipythos, son of Neleus of Athens, and by Philotas of Thevai, and that the native population was Carian, whereas Strabo gave the information that the city was founded by Philotas and that it was then called Kadme.

It is also believed that Priene was founded (like Ephesus) by Amazon queens.

Temple of Athena

Priene Ancient Town

Priene

Archaeologists on the other hand, basing their claim upon the results of certain research, say that the first city was actually located at its present site, but because of the rising level of the land, due to its filling up with alluvial deposits of river Meander, it had remained inland and that during this period the outlet of the city was provided by the port of Naulochos. Another hypothesis is that the city was situated not in the Meander valley, but in the northern part of the mountain of Samson (Mount Mycale). Furthermore, it is identified with the much destroyed city of Melie situated within the ruins of the fortress visible here.The city would have outlets via two ports, one in the north, and the other in the south (Naulochos). The information gathered from ancient sources and from recent theses differ widely. Nevertheless, to conclude, it is accepted that Priene was a small city, that it was situated on a peninsula close to Miletus and that it had two ports.

Since The site of this first city could not be determined and no concrete findings have been obtained. The only piece found is the electrum coin discovered in Clazomenae. This coin, with the head of Athena on it, and which can be dated back to 500 BC, is evidence that Priene was attached to the Ionian League.

The city which, it is certain, was linked to the Panionion from its foundation onward, was, like all Ionian cities, attacked by the Kimmers in the mid-7 th century BC, but since this sack was of a transitory nature, the city recovered in a short time. At the end of the 7th century BC, Priene was captured by the Lydians and remained for some time under the rule of this kingdom.

The 6th century BC was the most prosperous era of Priene, as for all other Ionian cities. In the beginning of 6th century BC, Bias, one of the "Seven Sages" was born in Priene, and he put into order the laws of his city. This brilliant era ended in 545 BC when Mazares, the commander of the Persian king Cyrus, attacked the city, burnt it down completely and enslaved its people. After a difficult period, Priene participated in the Ionian revolt against the Persians started in 500 BC and joined the Battle of Lade with 12 ships.
Since The site of this first city could not be determined and no concrete findings have been obtained. The only piece found is the electrum coin discovered in Clazomenae. This coin, with the head of Athena on it, and which can be dated back to 500 BC, is evidence that Priene was attached to the Ionian League.

How to get to Priene Ancient Town

If you are travelling from Altinkum or Akbuk:

Public transport to Priene

Easy way to go to priene is to go to SOKE first. At the last stop where all busses are coming to in Soke change to Gullubahce Birlik minibusses. Their last stop is Turunclar Mahallesi where Priene is. When you reach Turunclar district you will see the remainings of an AquaDuct where is also known as Selale Resaturant (Selale = waterfall in Turkish). You can follow the road up to ticket office where the entrance of Priene.

For individual travellers: There's no regular transport service between Akkoy to Priene. If You think you can drop off at the Akkoy village and visit Milet ancient Town first then to carry on to Priene you have to catch Balat Birlik minibusses From Milet ancient town to Priene.

When you are there in Priene, From Turunclar Mahallesi (next to Selale Restaurant) to Soke there are regular minibus services provided by Gullubahce Birlik Local transport company of Gullubahce Municipality.

if you are travelling by rental car

The easy way from Altinkum or Akbuk is to pass through Akkoy Village. So, you can visit Milet ancient town first. Then you can carry on to Priene. Maybe after having luch you can carry on to Millipark (Dilek Peninsula National Park) before Kusadasi where natural coves and the beaches are.

if you are travelling from Kusadasi or izmir

You have to come to Soke town first where to change to Gullubahce Birlik Minibusses.

if you are driving from Izmir - Soke direction

After Soke take the road on the right side where indicated yellow sign posts are visible Priene, Milet on them.

individual travellers using public transport

can take Didim Seyahat or Soke Seyahat coach companies direct to Soke. change the bus at the last stop to Gullubahce Birlik.

Visit Priene firstly where public transport is guaranteed back to Soke. After Priene then you can take bus back to Didim. If you want to visit Milet Ancient town in the same day (Milet Ancient town is 3-4 kilometres from Akkoy village) You can drop at Akkoy for Milet.

You can find bus back to Didim from Akkoy in every 15 minutes.

You can take guided tours by travel agents or your tour operator visiting Didyma - Miletos - Priene in the same day.