Ancient City Of Cyzicus

İlter Funda Gürbay · Antik Kentler · 2026-09-30

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Description

The ancient city of Kyzikos is located within the boundaries of the Erdek district of Balıkesir, in the area where the Kapıdağ Peninsula connects to the mainland. The history of Kyzikos dates back to the mid-8th century BC. Thanks to its strategic location, the city served as a significant settlement and trade hub for centuries; however, it was eventually abandoned due to its position on an earthquake fault line. It is known that following an earthquake in the mid-6th century AD, a large portion of the population migrated away, and the city lost its former prominence. Notable structures within the city—which appears to have been enclosed by strong defensive walls—include the Temple of Hadrian (considered the largest temple in Anatolia), an amphitheater, a necropolis, a metroon, a bouleuterion, a theater, an acropolis, and an agora. Furthermore, Kyzikos is one of the rare cities to have possessed three harbors.