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Located east of Izmir Aigai is one of the 12
Aiol cities mentioned by Heredotus.
According to the archaeological data, Aigai
dates back to to 1100 B.C. and the city has been
an important settlement during the Hellenistic
Period.
The city of Aigai has been flourished during 300
B.C. by the support of the Kingdom of Pergamon.
The prosperity of the city thrived by the
donations from Pergamon Kings and from time to
time from the Kingdom of Seleucia. We observe
that the city plan of Aigai reminds us of
Pergamon's, in fact it has the same city plan
with Pergamon. Aigai lay on the border of
Kingdom of Pergamon and the Kingdom of Seleucia
and both kingdoms wanted this border city.
The city has been destroyed in the earthquake of
17 A.C. and has been rebuilt by the Emperor
Tiberius.
Inside the city walls, to the east, three storey
Agora with stoas in the front, bouleuterion,
stadion, theatre and to the west of the theatre,
Temple of Demeter are some of the ruins that are
going to be excavated and restored.
6-7 km.s east of Aigai, the ruins of the Temple
of Apollon also waits to be excavated and
restored.
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Day 1:
Arrive Izmir
Arrive Istanbul Airport. Take the connecting
flight to Izmir. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Izmir
In the morning half-day city tour. Start your
tour with a visit to ancient Agora, continue
with Mount Pagos, once called the crown of
Smyrna. Visit Alexander the Great's castle,
overlooking Izmir. Then visit the Archaeological
and Ethnographical Museums. In the afternoon,
participate in the seminars arranged specially
for the Aigai participants on "Archaeological
Sites and Values in Turkey" by academicians from
Ege University.
Day 3: Ephesus
Depart for Ephesus, the most complete
archaeological ruin in the Mediterranean. The
excavation at Ephesus is still being continued.
The city was dedicated to the goddess of
Artemis, whose temple is one of the seven
wonders of the world. Then visit the Ephesus
Museum, the Basilica of St. John and the House
of Virgin Mary.
Day 4: Pergamon
Visit Pergamon, which is a fascinating ruin with
the steepest amphitheatre of the ancient world.
Home to the famous physician Galen, walk through
the remains of the Asclepion, the ancient
medical centre dedicated to the god of health
and medicine. Aigai was the sister city of
Pergamon, you will find many similarities
between two ruins. In the evening Professor
Ersin Doger will give a briefing on Aigai, the
city and the ongoing excavations.
Day 5: Aigai
Today you will participate a live excavation
with Professor Ersin Doger and the excavation
team.
Day 6: Aigai
Second day of the excavations.
Day 7: Departure
Transfer to Izmir airport for departure. |
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Day 1:
Arrive Izmir
Arrive Istanbul Airport. Take the connecting
flight to Izmir. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Ephesus
Depart for Ephesus, the most complete
archaeological ruin in the Mediterranean. The
excavation at Ephesus is still being continued.
The city was dedicated to the goddess of
Artemis, whose temple is one of the seven
wonders of the world. Then visit the Ephesus
Museum, the Basilica of St. John and the House
of Virgin Mary.
Day 3: Pergamon
Visit Pergamon, which is a fascinating ruin with
the steepest amphitheatre of the ancient world.
Home to the famous physician Galen, walk through
the remains of the Asclepion, the ancient
medical centre dedicated to the god of health
and medicine. Aigai was the sister city of
Pergamon, you will find many similarities
between two ruins. In the evening Professor
Ersin Doger will give a briefing on Aigai, the
city and the ongoing excavations.
Day 4: Aigai
Today you will participate a live excavation
with Professor Ersin Doger and the excavation
team.
Day 5: Aigai
Second day of the excavations.
Day 6: Istanbul
Early flight to Istanbul. In the morning visit
the two masterpieces of Byzantine era, Chora and
St. Sophia. Then visit Topkapi Palace, the Blue
Mosque, Hippodrome and the amazing underground
cistern.
Day 7: Istanbul
Relax with a cruise on the breathtaking
Bosphorus on your last day in Turkey. In the
afternoon explore the famous Grand Bazaar.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Istanbul airport for departure.
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Agora - Aiagi |
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Temple of Apollon - Aigai |
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Bouleuterion - Aigai |
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Chapel - Aigai |
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