14.07.2025
Priene
Priene is one of the important ancient cities built on the southern slope of Samsun Mountain, 15 km southwest of Söke district. Built on a 370 meter high steep rock, it provided an advantage in resisting attacks. In addition, its high location allows the city to be seen from different directions. The first information about Priene, which is accepted to be a member of the Ionian Union like Miletus, is found in ancient sources in the middle of the 7th century BC. The theater with a capacity of 5000 people was built in 350 BC. In front of the temple built for the goddess Athena in the most dominant place of the city, there was a statue of Athena made of gold and ivory.
