MAGNESIA AD MEANDRUM

Magnesia ad Meandrum, located to the east of Ephesus, was a Greek city originally established by a tribe from Thessalia, called the Magnetes around 400BC.  It had been considerable in size and an important location between Priene, Ephesus and Tralles.  It was situated on the slope of Mt. Thorax, along the banks of a tributary of the Meander River.  It was an exceptionally fertile area and produced excellent wine, figs and cucumbers.  Excavations were carried out in the late 1800's and resumed again 100 years later.  For all its importance, little remains of the city today and it is easily seen from the side of the road en route to Priene.

 Portion of the City Walls, with columns lying in the weeds

 The largest visible renovations, the Temple of Artemis.  It dates from 2nd century BC  and was erected after the goddess made a miraculous appearance in the city.   Because of this, Magnesia was considered sacred and had no walls until the Byzantine times.

 The walls stretch across the countryside, with cattle, goats and sheep grazing next to them

Even the grass/weeds within the fenced area was being cut with a sickle and hand loaded on this tractor-trailer for use as cattle feed.