Sardis

Ancient City of Sardis (Sart) – The Wealth of Lydia

Location: Sart, Manisa, Turkey
Founded: 7th Century BC
Famous Rulers: King Croesus (Kroisos), Persian Satraps, Alexander the Great
Significance: The birthplace of coinage, once one of the richest cities in the ancient world

Main Attractions in Sardis

Temple of Artemis

• One of the largest temples in the ancient world.
• Built during the Hellenistic period, later expanded by the Romans.
• Dedicated to Artemis, the Lydian goddess of fertility and the hunt.

Sardis Synagogue (Havra)

• One of the largest & most impressive ancient synagogues ever discovered.
• Built during the Roman period (3rd century AD), proving Jewish presence in Sardis.
• Beautiful geometrical mosaics & inscriptions in Hebrew & Greek.
• Located next to a Roman gymnasium & bath complex.

Roman Gymnasium & Bath Complex

• Built by Emperor Tiberius after an earthquake in 17 AD.
• A grand bathing & exercise complex, symbolizing Roman influence.
• Features stunning columns & sculptures.

Pactolus River – The Source of Gold

• According to legend, King Midas of Phrygia washed his hands in this river to remove his golden touch.
• The river contained natural gold specks, making Lydia incredibly wealthy.
• Sardis became the first city to mint coins, thanks to its rich gold deposits.

How to Visit Sardis?

By Car: 1.5-hour drive from Izmir, 1.5-hour drive from Pergamon, 2.5-hour drive from Ephesus

By Tour: Many tours include Sardis, Pergamon, and Ephesus in a day trip.

Why Visit Sardis?

• Explore the birthplace of the first coins ever minted
• Visit one of the best-preserved ancient synagogues in the world
• Marvel at the grand Roman gymnasium & bath complex
• Walk through history, from the Lydian, Persian, Greek & Roman eras

A must-see for history lovers, biblical scholars & those fascinated by ancient civilizations!